A postdoctoral position is available to develop and apply novel strategies for engineering microbial hosts to produce fuels, chemicals, materials and other value-added bioproducts. Synthetic biology, targeted metabolomics, and 13C metabolic flux analysis will be key approaches to achieve the project goals. The successful candidate will be working closely with the PI to generate and test hypotheses, design and implement experiments, and report findings through presentations at conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
40% effort on strain development
40% effort on targeted metabolomics, isotope labeling, and metabolic flux analysis
10% effort on reviewing literature, preparing reports and manuscripts, presentation at conferences, and assisting PI in writing proposals
10% effort on mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, participation in departmental seminars etc.
Required Qualifications
Recently graduated Ph.D. or Ph.D. to be granted by the time of hire in the field of chemical engineering, bioengineering, microbiology, or closely related disciplines
Research experience in metabolic engineering and characterization of microorganisms using molecular biology tools
Demonstrated experience in chromatographic analysis of small molecules or metabolites
Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Previous research experience in metabolic engineering of heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria and yeast
Experience utilizing CRISPR and other advanced molecular biology techniques in characterizing and modifying microorganisms
Experience using HPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS for identification and quantification of small molecules, e.g., metabolites
Experience in targeted metabolomics, isotope labeling and metabolic flux analysis
Experience in flux balance analysis and genome-scale modeling
Highly self-motivated and strong track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.