Research Assistant/Associate* in in Pichia pastoris Engineering for Cultivated Meat

About the role:

A Research Associate in Pichia pastoris Engineering for Cultivated Meat is sought to work on the development of yeast strains that support the growth of cultivated meat cell lines. The post is funded by the Bezos Earth Fund as part of the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Proteins. The main focus will be the engineering of the non-conventional yeast, Pichia pastoris, to enhance the growth of mammalian cell lines for cultivated meat. The project will involve strain engineering, testing the effect of the genetic modifications using growth assays, flow cytometry, microscopy, and developing assays to test the ability of engineered Pichia pastoris to support the growth of cultivated meat cell lines.

What you would be doing:

You will design genetic constructs, transform, and select Pichia pastoris strains and test the effect of genetic modification on the yeast cells. You will develop and apply assays to test the ability of the yeast to support the growth of mammalian cell lines.

What we are looking for:

The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:

• PhD in life sciences, bioengineering, (bio)chemical engineering, biotechnology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience*
• Practical experience in Pichia pastoris molecular biology and strain engineering (genetic construct design, transformation, colony selection)
• Practical experience in flow cytometry and microscopy
• Practical experience in mammalian cell cultivation
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

The following knowledge, skills & experience is also desirable:

• Practical experience with protein expression and characterisation assays
• Knowledge of yeast surface display

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The post is a fixed term contract for 18 months with possibility of extension.

*Applicants who already hold a PhD will be considered for appointment as at the Research Associate level (£48,056 - £56,345). Applicants who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be considered at the Research Assistant level (£43,003 - £46,297) with ability to move to the Research Associate level upon award of the PhD.

To apply, please complete the online application by clicking the 'Apply' button above.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Prof Karen Polizzi (k.polizzi@imperial.ac.uk)

£48,056 to £56,345 per annum