PhD Candidate in synthetic biology and biosynthetic gene cluster expression
NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Høgskoleringen 1, 7491 Trondheim
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Job Description
PhD Candidate in synthetic biology and biosynthetic gene cluster expression
We have a vacancy for a full-time PhD candidate at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU. The position is linked to AIMARIA – Accelerating Innovation in Marine AI-Powered Bioprospecting, a Horizon Europe Innovation Action coordinated by NTNU.
The PhD project will investigate how regulatory DNA elements, BGC architecture and microbial host selection influence the expression of complex biosynthetic pathways. Molecular biology, microbial strain engineering and synthetic biology will be combined with AI-supported design of promoters, 5′ untranslated regions and other regulatory elements.
Duties of the position
- Design and construct expression systems for heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters.
- Assemble, modify and refactor BGCs and associated genetic constructs.
- Design and experimentally test promoters, 5′ untranslated regions and other regulatory DNA elements.
- Genetically engineer microbial host strains and evaluate their suitability for BGC expression.
- Conduct molecular-biology, microbiology and synthetic-biology experiments.
- Analyse BGC transcription, gene expression and product formation.
- Apply bioinformatic and AI-supported tools for the design and prioritisation of genetic constructs.
- Document, analyse and interpret experimental data.
Requirements
- A master’s degree or equivalent education in synthetic biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering or another field relevant to the project.
- Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, genetic engineering or related experimental methods.
- Ability to analyse, interpret and clearly document experimental results.
- Excellent written and oral English language skills.
- Motivation to undertake independent research and complete a doctoral degree.
- A strong academic background with an average grade from your Master's degree study equal to B or better.
Skills
Synthetic biologyMolecular biologyMicrobiologyGenetic engineeringBioinformaticsExperimental designMicrobial strain engineeringData analysis
Salary
NOK 550 800 per annum
Experience
entry-level