About this role
Job reference: SAE-030341 Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum, depending on relevant experience Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering Location: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology Employment type: Fixed Term Division/Team: Department of Chemistry Hours Per Week: Full Time Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 22/12/2025 Contract Duration: From 1st March 2026 for 2 years (with the possibility of extension) School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences
We are looking for an ambitious and talented postdoc to work on exciting synthetic genomics projects, such as the international Genome Project-Write (http://engineeringbiologycenter.org) and/or the international Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (www.syntheticyeast.org).
The Cai laboratory has pioneered the design, construction and characterization of completely synthetic eukaryotic chromosomes. The Cai lab’s significant research achievements to date include: 1) Cai helped originate, and continues to coordinate, the International Synthetic Yeast Genome (Sc2.0) Consortium, which involves >10 top universities in four continents with the aim of building the first fully re-designed eukaryote genome.
The Sc2.0 project is the largest synthetic biology project in the public domain. Cai’s leadership and coordination efforts for this large-scale project have ensured that milestones and scientific deliverables of the consortium have been met in a timely fashion. In March 2017, the Sc2.0 consortium published seven original research articles in Science on the first six designer chromosomes, for which the Sc2.0 project was featured on the issue cover. 2) The Cai lab has pioneered de novo genome design and synthesis through multi-disciplinary approaches that rely on robotic automation, high-throughput cloning and assembly frameworks. 3) The Cai lab is translating these technological breakthroughs in genome engineering to broad social and economic impact.
The group is actively exploring new applications of artificial chromosome technology, including the generation of novel phage therapies, programmable plants and synthetic human chromosomes.
We are now seeking to recruit a skilled postdoc to join the team with expertise and experience in synthetic biology, genome engineering and evolution. She/He will focus on the synthetic phage genome research. A strong ethos for team-based working and the ability to communicate comfortably with interdisciplinary research scientists will be essential for success in this critical role.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [email protected].
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor Patrick Cai
Email: [email protected]
General enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Technical support:
0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.