Horizon Postdoctoral Fellowships
Job posting
Research program title
Yeast-based biosensors for quantifying bioactive metabolites
Reference number
10006
Supervisors
Program description
The current Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted a pressing need to establish robust supply chains to secure essential medicines in times of global crisis. Technologies emerging from synthetic biology have provided an unprecedented ability to build biochemical pathways in yeast for the synthesis of complex molecules, including essential medicines. Yet, without new high-throughput screening tools for these molecules, it remains challenging to improve upon the basic reconstitution of their biosynthetic pathways. Chemical-detecting cell biosensors have been developed that can significantly improve screening capacity to rapidly improve enzymes, biochemical pathways and microbial strains. In particular, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large evolutionarily-conserved group of cell surface receptors, can be leveraged for biosensor development. This program aims to develop GPCR-based biosensor into a high-throughput screening platform technology to accelerate the development of yeasts producing essential medicines and to discover natural and new-to-nature therapeutics.
Academic qualifications required
Applicants must have a PhD in Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics or related fields; strong technical expertise in molecular biology, a demonstration of publications directly related to these areas of research and an excellent knowledge of the literature related to yeast genetics and metabolic engineering.
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must not currently hold a postdoctoral appointment at Concordia
- Priority will be given to postdoctoral fellows who have obtained their PhD from another university although in exceptional cases Concordia graduates may be considered
- Applicants must adhere to the postdoctoral fellow eligibility criteria outlined in Concordia University’s Postdoctoral Policy
Timeline
The Postdoctoral Fellow must start their appointment by August 31, 2022.
Submission process
- All documents must be submitted to Vincent Martin
- Please include the reference number with your application
Application checklist
- One to three (1-3) page research statement demonstrating fit with the program described above
- Current curriculum vitae demonstrating research excellence and a capacity for leadership in the domain (maximum 5 pages)
- Two letters of reference from academic supervisors or current employers to be sent via e-mail directly to: Vincent Martin
Value
The prestigious two-year Horizon Postdoctoral Fellowships are valued at $50,000 per year plus benefits and full access to Concordia’s services, including GradProSkills.
Concordia University is a vibrant research and teaching environment, with state-of-the-art research facilities and many research centers. Concordia is located in Montreal, Canada, a diverse and creative city, often ranked as offering one of the best quality of living experiences in North America.
Concordia University is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal Peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.
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