23 October 2016  

Interview date: 07 November 2016

Engineering of novel enzymes for the conversion of lignin to biochemicals and biofuels

We are seeking to recruit a talented postdoctoral scientist with experience in protein X-ray crystallography and/or protein biochemistry and biophysics to join our Biofuels Research Group. The project is funded by the BBSRC and is part of a bilateral award between the UK and the US National Science Foundation.

This post is available for three years to work in parallel with an international team of scientists on the characterisation of novel enzymes for the sustainable conversion of biomass into fuels and fine chemicals. The project combines structural biology and protein engineering with a novel synthetic biology approach that will enable the creation of new industrially relevant enzymes to convert heterogeneous lignin-derived aromatics into chemicals with significant economic value.

The Fellow will join the Biofuels Group within the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth and practical work will be conducted in the state-of-the-art Molecular Biophysics Laboratories, one of the four research divisions within the Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences (IBBS). We have a range of in-house facilities including dedicated laboratories for protein expression and purification, biophysical characterisation and X-ray crystallography and NMR. It is envisaged that the Fellow will spend time working at national research facilities such as the Diamond Light Source UK, and with our US collaborators at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent in structural biology, biophysics or biochemistry. Experience in the recombinant production and characterisation of proteins should be demonstrated with one or more relevant publications in a refereed journal. Additional postdoctoral research experience, particularly in the field of X-ray protein crystallography, would be a significant advantage. The Fellow should be able to manage the day-to-day running of a research project including assisting the work of junior researchers. Good communication skills are key, and you will be expected to present work at international meetings and conferences. The Fellow will be expected to acquire data sets for our project and to play a lead role in drafting of manuscripts. International travel to the USA will form an integral part of this post, and as such will provide excellent opportunities for personal and career development. 

Informal enquiries are actively encouraged and can be made to Prof. John McGeehan (Co-Director of IBBS)