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.
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.
The following essential knowledge, skills & experience are sought:
1. PhD in life sciences, bioengineering, (bio)chemical engineering, biotechnology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience*
2. Practical experience in in Pichia pastoris molecular biology and strain engineering (genetic construct design, transformation, colony selection)
3. Practical experience in in flow cytometry and microscopy
4. Practical experience in mammalian cell cultivation
5. Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
The following knowledge, skills & experience is also desirable:
6. Practical experience with protein expression and characterisation assays
7. Knowledge of yeast surface display
8. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
9. Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
10. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
11. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional .