Within the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), our groups aim at optimizing microbial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to specialty biofuels. We seek a motivated candidate to apply metabolic engineering, multi-omics, and synthetic biology approaches to improve cellulosic biofuel production in yeast.

The candidate, co-mentored by GLBRC researchers Prof. Chris Todd Hittinger and Dr. Trey Sato, will be responsible for independent and collaborative research projects to increase the conversion of glucose and xylose, the two most prevalent sugars in plant biomass, into isobutanol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The candidate will have access to equipment and resources within our Center for adaptative laboratory evolution, genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 engineering, strain libraries, industrially relevant lignocellulosic hydrolysates, and metabolomic tools.

Required degree

Ph.D. with strong background in molecular genetics, microbiology, metabolic engineering, and/or synthetic biology. Candidate must be within 2 years of PhD graduation and Ph.D. must be granted by the start date.

Minimum requirements

Strong written and oral communication skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Desired qualifications

Experience in analyzing Illumina sequencing data, bioinformatics, machine learning, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering.

Required application materials

Send a CV, any manuscript p/reprints, and the name and contact information of three professional references to Chris Hittinger (cthittinger@wisc.edu) and Trey Sato (tksato@glbrc.wisc.edu). Specifically mention in your email the reasons you are interested in this position.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and be considered until the position is filled. Apply by June 15, 2023 for full consideration.