“Developing a synthetic genetically modified host for biosynthesis of biodegradable and thermoplastic polymers”

 We are looking for a qualified PhD student to join our dynamic research team to carry out advanced research in the field of applied microbiology, synthetic biology and biotechnology of biopolymers derived from genetically modified yeast cells.

The person offered a PhD position will be responsible for carrying out the research project, writing scientific publications and collaborating with other team members.

The candidate should have a MSc degree in chemistry, biology, or related field. The candidate is expected to have experience in at least one of the research directions listed below:

– molecular biology, genome editing techniques, DNA/RNA manipulation

– proven experience at working with bacteria or yeast

– analysis of natural polymers, e.g. chromatographic analysis

– extraction of polymers from biological material

His/her scientific achievements should be documented by the authorship of papers  related to the profile of the announced research position. Capability of leading independent research activity is a necessary requirement.

The project will be focused on obtaining genetically modified strains of S.cerevisiae  and their characterization. Genetic manipulations will require to design and prepare constructs for   CRISP/Cas genome editing of S.cerevisiae. Genetic manipulations are aimed at obtaining a strain capable of simultaneouse biosynthesis of mixed  PHB/PLA (poly((R-3 hydroxybutyrate/polylactide) polymers. As part of the research conducted so far, the project leader’s team has developed a strain with a favorable metabolic profile, which will serve as the starting point for genetic manipulation and for the production of the polymers. The effects of genome editing will be verified at the level of transcription using real-time PCR, at the level of metabolism by determining concentration of intracellular metabolites and in the culture media, as well as at the level of activity of selected enzymes, in the synthetic pathways as well as their cellular levels using the Western Blot immunodetection method. In the case of the most promising strains, quantitative tests of the synthesis of polylactide and hydroxybutyrate will be carried out, as well as optimization of polymer production efficiency using a laboratory bioreactor. Extraction and characterization of polymers in terms of their composition will be carried out using chromatographic methods and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Optimization of the polymer extraction process from S.cerevisiae will be a key step in the project, that will be followed by evaluation of the strategy in the design of a synthetic hybrid microorganism as an efficient polymers producer. The project will be caried out in a few interactions to obtain the optimal solution.