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Postdoctoral Fellow – Yeast Synthetic Biology

Employer
Colorado State University
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Salary
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Closing date
Oct 16, 2019

Postdoctoral Fellow – Yeast Synthetic Biology

A Postdoctoral Fellowship is available immediately in the Peccoud Lab to support a research project aiming at using methods from synthetic biology to generate big datasets suitable to support the development of large-scale models of regulatory networks in yeast.

Computational cell biologists have constructed detailed, mechanistic, and predictive mathematical models of many physiological processes in living cells. In principle, such models can predict the phenotypes of novel combinations of gene mutations. However, this potential has not been fully realized for three reasons: (a) the number of possible combinations grows explosively with the number of mutations, complicating the search and prioritization of informative mutants, (b) it is impossible to manually plan experiments to make and characterize thousands of mutants, and (c) automated techniques that can resolve contradictions between experimental results and model predictions are still under-developed. This project is creating a unique integrated framework that will address these challenges. This framework systematically generates informative predictions from mathematical models, computationally synthesizes high-throughput experimental plans to test these predictions and rapidly reconciles inconsistencies between model and experiment with the goal of accelerating the process of modeling of complex regulatory networks by several orders of magnitude.

Initially, we are applying this framework to models of cell growth and division in budding yeast. Mathematical models of nutrient signaling and yeast cell growth are in their infancy, and we are planning to use our integrated framework to quickly construct, test, and validate a cell growth model. In contrast, the mechanistic model of cell cycle regulation in budding yeast is highly developed, and we will use our integrated framework first to predict and test the phenotypes of novel combinations of mutant cell-cycle genes.

We are seeking an exceptional and innovative individual with a degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering or a related field to join a multidisciplinary team composed of synthetic biologists, computational biologists, and computer scientists. This person will be responsible for developing and managing a high-throughput pipeline to generate and characterize libraries of complex yeast mutants. Prior experience in yeast genetics and/or editing of microbial genomes is required. This position requires the ability to work in a highly collaborative environment with team members having a broad range of scientific backgrounds and levels of experience.

In addition, this position will be involved in the training and management of undergraduate or graduate students, development of new proposals, and day-to-day management of scientific collaborations.

Additional information about the position can be requested at https://peccoud.org/contact/.

This position is located in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Required Qualifications

  • Doctoral degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with genome editing technologies, strain engineering, or high throughput genetic screens in yeast or other microorganisms.
  • Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with synthetic biology workflows
  • Experience with high-throughput projects
  • Ability to manipulate and analyze data in Matlab, Python, R, or other languages.
  • Experience with standard bioinformatics tools and resources
  • Experience developing or using quantitative models of regulatory networks.

EEO Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Application

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Names of three references

 

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