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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work in the Reisner group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, UK. The project is part of a European Research Council (ERC) project and a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded consortium with the laboratories of Prof Julea Butt (University of East Anglia) and Prof Lars Jeuken (University of Leeds) on sunlight-driven chemistry with material-biocatalyst hybrid systems. The aims are to develop strategies for the integration of electroactive microbes in bespoke photoelectrodes (ERC) and the coupling of bacteria to synthetic light absorbers (BBSRC). We thereby address the need for new innovations in the solar fuels field and develop a new chemical biology platform, in which biological pathways can be systematically exploited for solar-to-chemical conversion. Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in Microbiology, Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a closely related discipline. A strong background in working with anaerobic cell cultures, synthetic biology, electromicrobiology, bioelectrochemistry, microbial fuel cells/microbial electrosynthesis and photochemistry is desirable for the position. An expertise in molecular biology techniques (e.g. protein extraction, DNA/RNA extraction) is an added advantage. The applicant should also have experience in coordinating activities as part of a larger interdisciplinary team. Candidates are encouraged to think outside of their formal field of training to fit into a creative, collaborative and dynamic research environment. A strong record of research productivity and creativity as well as excellent communication, management and English writing skills will be required. The successful candidate will also be expected to help guide undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as taking on laboratory management duties. More information about the Reisner group, including relevant publications, can be found at http://www-reisner.ch.cam.ac.uk/ (see also a recent publication on this topic: Fang, Kalathil, Divitini, Wang & Reisner, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2020, 117, 5074-5080; www.tiny.cc/k6a8lz). More information about the funded projects can be found under www.tiny.cc/q0a8lz (ERC) and www.tiny.cc/vva8lz (BBSRC). Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Prof E Reisner via email on er376@cam.ac.uk Please quote reference MA22951 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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