Postdoc in Genetic Engineering of Green Microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii with the Purpose of Acquiring Plastic Degrading T...
Role highlights
Full Time
Permanent
Independent
On-site
This postdoctoral position requires advanced expertise in genetic engineering, specifically involving the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The primary focus is to employ CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing techniques to fuse plastic-degrading enzymes, such as PETases, onto native surface-exposed proteins of the microalga. Candidates should have a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetic manipulation of microalgae or similar organisms. Familiarity with plastic biodegradation mechanisms, particularly targeting poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and experience working with enzymes derived from bacteria or fungi is essential. The role involves leveraging the natural motility and photoautotrophic properties of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to develop environmentally sustainable plastic degradation strategies. Working knowledge of proteomics, bioimaging, and mass spectrometry techniques is advantageous, given access to cutting-edge facilities including the Danish National Mass Spectrometry Platform and EMBION cryo-electron microscopy. The candidate should be capable of conducting independent research within a collaborative, international academic environment and contribute novel ideas toward innovative biotechnological solutions. Experience with environmental biotechnology, enzyme optimization, and synthetic biology approaches will be beneficial. The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary research group focused on molecular biology and systems biology, emphasizing the development of practical, scalable methods for plastic pollution mitigation.
About the role
Postdoc in Genetic Engineering of Green Microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii (Plastic Degrading Traits)
Role Summary
- Postdoctoral position focused on genetic engineering of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalga
- Aim: Acquire plastic degrading traits in microalgae
- Research group: Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense
- Start date: 1st January 2026 or soon thereafter
Research Project
- Use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to fuse plastic degrading enzymes onto native, surface-exposed proteins of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr)
- Leverage Cr's natural swimming behaviour to access and degrade poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in natural environments
- PET is a major plastic pollutant, resistant to natural degradation, widely used in packaging
- Recent studies have identified PET-degrading enzymes (PETases) in bacteria and fungi; these are being optimized for environmental use
- Current PET degradation strategies (using bacteria) are labour-intensive, expensive, inefficient, and risk contamination
- Microalgae offer a promising alternative: photoautotrophic, naturally inactivate contaminants, and are endotoxin-free
- Project supported by a Villum Experiment grant
Lab and Research Environment
- Part of the Petriman group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), SDU
- Associated with the Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology research unit and the Danish National Mass Spectrometry Platform for Proteomics and Biomolecular Imaging (PLATO)
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities (proteomics, bioimaging)
- Access to EMBION cryo-EM facility at University of Aarhus
- International, collaborative, ambitious, and innovative research environment
- Support for pursuing novel research ideas and developing an independent career
How to Apply
- Application deadline: 15 November 2025 at 23:59 local Danish time
- See the full call and application instructions at: fa-eosd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/da/sites/CX_1001/job/3260/?utm_medium=jobshare
- Please mention in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
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