External Job Opportunities

Post Date: July 12, 2022                           

Post-doctoral Position in diatoms plastid biogenesis and function at IBPC, Paris, France

A two-year position is open in the laboratory of “Chloroplast Biology and Light Sensing in Microalgae” at IBPC, in the center of Paris, France. This CNRS research institute groups several laboratories active in microalgal biology, microbiology, membrane biology, structural biology and structural modeling. The host laboratory has a long-lasting expertise in photosynthesis, chloroplast biology and microalgal research. In the framework of the IBPC-affiliated Laboratory of Excellence (Labex) Dynamo, the project is funded to study the biogenesis of the photosynthetic apparatus and the crosstalk between nuclear and plastid genomes in diatoms.

Diatoms, a group of more than 100 000 different phytoplanktonic species, are among the most successful photosynthetic eukaryotic microalgae and colonize all aquatic zones (oceans, intertidal zones, freshwater bodies, soil, and ice zones). They are responsible of about 20% of the global carbon fixation and oxygen production on earth. They arose from a secondary endosymbiosis between a heterotrophic protist and, at least, one other photosynthetic eukaryote from the red lineage that itself arose from a primary endosymbiosis between a heterotrophic protist and a cyanobacterium. However, despite their ecological importance as primary producers and a growing biotechnological interest, our current understanding of the regulation of diatom photosynthesis is still limited and even the most basic questions about plastid biogenesis remain unanswered. Furthermore, genetic approaches to study plastid functions in diatoms remain so far limited because the most studied diatom models are obligate phototrophs, in which photosynthesis and plastid biogenesis are essential for survival.

To fill this important knowledge gap, the laboratory has selected the centric diatom Cyclotella cryptica as a novel model system for the study of diatoms plastid biology, since it is the only diatom that combine the availability of genomic and genetic resources with the ability to grow heterotrophically in the dark, using glucose as a source of reduced carbon, thus potentially allowing the isolation of photosynthetic mutants. The recruited post-doctoral fellow will use the tools already developed in the laboratory (biolistic transformation of the chloroplast - homologous recombination - and nuclear - CRISPR/cas9 - compartments of C. cryptica,) to construct photosynthesis mutants in order to characterise the photosynthetic apparatus of diatoms, and the biogenesis of the plastid.

Recent references from the lab related to the project:

Lepetit B, Campbell D A, Lavaud J, Büchel C, Goss R & Bailleul B (2022) Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Diatoms. II. The Dynamic Regulation of the Various Light Reactions. pp 423-464, In: Comprehensive overview on diatom molecular biology, 1st Edition 2022, A. Falciatore and T Mock Eds, Springer International Publishing 978-3-030-92499-7 (ISBN)

Jaubert M, Duchêne C, Kroth P G, Rogato A, Bouly J-P & Falciatore A (2022) Sensing and Signalling in Diatom Responses to Abiotic Cues. pp 607-639, In: Comprehensive overview on diatom molecular biology, 1st Edition 2022, A. Falciatore and T Mock Eds, Springer International Publishing 978-3-030-92499-7 (ISBN)

Blommaert L, Chafai L, Bailleul B. The fine-tuning of NPQ in diatoms relies on the regulation of both xanthophyll cycle enzymes - 2021 - Sci Rep. 11(1):12750 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91483-x

Falciatore A, Jaubert M, Bouly J-P, Bailleul B, Mock T. Diatom Molecular Research Comes of Age: Model Species for Studying Phytoplankton Biology and Diversity - 2020 - Plant Cell, 32(3):547-572 - https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.19.00158

Annunziata R, Ritter A, Fortunato AE, Manzotti A, Cheminant-Navarro S, Agier N, Huysman M, Wing P, Bones A, Bouget F-Y, Cosentino Lagomarsino M, Bouly JP and Falciatore A (2019) bHLH-PAS protein RITMO1 regulates diel biological rhythms in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, PNAS, 116(26): 13137-13142 - doi 10.1073/pnas.1819660116

Choquet Y. andWollman F.-A. (2022) The Assembly of Photosynthetic Proteins, In: The Chlamydomonas Sourcebook: Introduction to Chlamydomonas and Its Laboratory Use 3rd Edition, Vol. 2: Organellar and metabolic processes, F.-A. Wollman and A R Grossman Eds., Elsevier (Amsterdam), in press.

Required skills: applicants should be qualified in molecular biology and microbiology and have a strong interest for organelle biology and regulation of gene expression. Previous experience with microalgae or functional studies of photosynthesis would be an asset. The candidate must be innovative, rigorous, and have good communication skills to work in a team.

Restriction of applications: the funding agency requires that applicants should not have worked in France for more than twelve months within the last three years.

Funding: coFund Fellowship Program associated to the DynaMO labex, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions.

Supervisor: Angela Falciatore, and Yves Choquet

Laboratory of Chloroplast Biology and Light-sensing in Microalgae, headed by Dr. Angela Falciatore, and adjunct director Dr. Yves Choquet.

Duration: 24 months, flexible start between November 2022 and January 2023.

Applications will be open during summer. Please refer to the Labex Dynamo website to apply: http://labexdynamo.ibpc.fr/fp-dynamo-paris/

Post Date: November 4, 2019

Title: Full-time Post Doctoral Researchers

The Zhang laboratory at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) studies how photosynthetic organisms respond to temperatures (especially high temperatures) by using both green algae and land plants as models. We are seeking full-time postdoctoral researchers to work on one of the research areas below. The general requirements for postdoc candidates are: the candidate is required to have a PhD in plant physiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or related field; the ideal candidate should be self-motivated, creative, highly organized with excellent communication skills as well as outstanding problem-solving and collaborative capability. Please see some specific requirements for each position below.

1. Study the sustained cyclic electron flow and assembly of a PSI supercomplex in the Antarctic Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241 (UWO241). You can learn more about the research topic using this reference paper: The Antarctic Psychrophile Chlamydomonas sp. UWO 241 Preferentially Phosphorylates a Photosystem I-Cytochrome b6/f Supercomplex, Plant Physiology, 2015. The ideal candidate should have strong background in photosynthesis, especially the light reaction and extensive experience in molecular biology and genetics. Experience in algal-related work and spectroscopic measurements of photosynthetic parameters is a plus but not required. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
2. Investigate the effects of high temperatures on photosynthesis (both carbon fixation and electron transport) in C4 plants using Setaria viridis as a model. The ideal candidate should have great passion for photosynthesis, strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology. Candidates who have experience with photosynthesis are especially encouraged to apply. Experience in spectroscopic measurements of photosynthetic parameters is a plus but not required. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
3. Study algal heat responses by using the eukaryotic, unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. By using genome-wide screens, we identified a list of heat sensitive Chlamydomonas mutants. The postdoc candidate will characterize some of these heat sensitive mutants and investigate the function of the disrupted genes in heat tolerance. The ideal candidate should have strong background in molecular biology and genetics. Experience in algal-related work is a plus but not required. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The collaborative research environment at the Danforth Center offers an excellent opportunity for career development. The Danforth Center offers a complete benefits package and competitive salary. The St. Louis region provides wonderful environment to work and live.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter (describing research experience and career goals), CV, and the names and contact information for three references to rzhang@danforthcenter.org 

Post Date: September 26, 2018

Title: Research Associate/Staff Scientist in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology   

The Kacar Lab (kacarlab.org) at the University of Arizona seeks to recruit a Research Associate/Staff Scientist in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology with a strong background in molecular cloning, enzyme expression, purification and kinetics. The successful candidate will work on a cross-disciplinary project on the biochemical analyses of phylogenetically reconstructed ancient proteins and enzymes that are of metabolic and biogeochemical importance.

Our lab works at the interface of molecular evolution, synthetic biology, biochemistry and astrobiology. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA. This position will cover full salary and benefits, can start immediately and will be for up to two years, following the successful completion of a one-year probationary period.

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

• Molecular cloning using state-of-the-art techniques (i.e., Gibson Assembly, Goldengate, etc.)
• Enzyme expression and purification
  • Biochemical characterization of purified enzymes by FPLC (i.e., AKTA Pure) and fluorescence microscopy
  • Publication of results in peer reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum Master’s Degree or PhD (within the last 5 years) in biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, or related fields
• Proven experience in enzyme purification and characterization
• A team-worker who can work independently if/when necessary
• A creative and motivated individual who aims to work across  disciplines
• Have excellent oral and written skills 

To Apply: 

Submit to Betul Kacar the following via email (betul@arizona.edu):

• Cover letter describing your experience, training, expertise and motivation
• CV with publication list
• Names and contact information for 3 references.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more.

The University of Arizona has been listed by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers in the United States. World at Work and the Arizona Department of Health Services have recognized us for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona, please click here.

Post date: April 25, 2018

Title: Algal Scientist/Business Development

Position Description: Living Ink Technologies, LLC (www.livingink.co) is a cutting edge biomaterials company using algae and cyanobacteria as colorants for printing ink products. Living Ink is looking to hire a research technician or a post-doctoral researcher capable of metabolic engineering cyanobacterial strains within a research lab setting. Additionally, this position will assist with daily operations and business development. Competitive applicants must demonstrate a high level of independent research and exhibit strong problem solving abilities, as well as a capability to work among the executive level team members on a wide array of business development tasks. Location is Denver, CO with a start date of Spring 2018.

• Location: Living Ink Research Lab: Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
• Full time position, with the potential for benefits (health insurance stipend)
• Pay range: ~$55,000

Position Expectations:
Support Living Ink Senior Scientist and CSO (70-95% time):

• Standard molecular biology tasks including running gels, PCR, media development, culture maintenance, etc.
• Design and construction of gene constructs for the production of various value-added molecules via metabolic engineering
• Transformation and characterization of various species of heterotrophic as well as photosynthetic microbes

Support Living Ink Executive Team (5%-30% time):

• Develop material intended for venture capital, strategic commercial partnerships, NSF reporting requirements, etc.
• Support strategic business relationships
• Assist in daily operational tasks including lab management

Qualifications: Previous experience with standard molecular biology techniques including, cloning/plasmid construction, working with bacterial and algal cultures.

If interested, please email scott.fulbright@livinginktechnologies.com