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Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Technician
SYNTHETIC + MOLECULAR BIOLOGY on MICROPLASTICS – POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW Full-time NEW
Humans have produced 12 billion tonnes of plastic, most of which becomes waste that breaks down into toxic microplastics accumulating in ecosystems and human tissues. These particles leach harmful chemicals linked to health and fertility risks. To address this, we are combining ultra large-scale computing, AI, and high-throughput molecular biology to discover and test the evolutionary landscape of novel plastic-degrading enzymes. By building predictive models, validating enzyme activity, and ensuring safety of degradation byproducts, our open-source project aims to create efficient technologies to mitigate global microplastic toxicity and protect human health.
Join the Laboratory for RNA-Based Lifeforms (https://RNAlab.ca | Artem Babaian) at the University of Toronto.
We’re recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with strong expertise in molecular biology, synthetic biology, development of high-throughput molecular assays, robotics, and microbial genetics (model systems). This position will require a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology and capacity to communicate this with computational biology/AI scientists to co-develop state-of-the-art methods for enzyme discovery, and molecular evolution.
Building upon the Serratus project where we increased the number of known RNA virus species by nearly an order of magnitude (Edgar et al.,, 2022. Nature) our group is now pushing the boundary for ultra-massive scale sequence analysis with Logan (preprint). With that, we’re enabling planetary-scale discovery of enzymes and novel genetic elements. Building on this, we are integrating massive sequence mining, high-throughput robotics, and functional genomics to address global challenges such as plastic pollution and microplastic toxicity.
Your qualifications should be an ambitious molecular biologist with a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Synthetic Biology or related field. Have a strong publication record with evidence of expertise in Yeast, E. Coli or other model molecular systems. A demonstration of capacity to lead scientific projects to completion (e.g. publication) and capacity to communicate the work effectively. You must have a demonstrated strong expertise in yeast or bacterial genetics, molecular biology/biochemistry, and synthetic biology.
We’re seeking an applicant who is creative with a drive for high-risk, high-reward project. Responsibilities will include the development of molecular capacity in the lab, high-throughput assay design, enzyme characterization and/or metabolic engineering. This includes skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and establishing molecular workflows.
Application instructions
All individuals interested in this position must submit (1) scientific curriculum vitae, (2) a critical evaluation of the computational and molecular aspects of the Logan enzyme-discovery project (see: preprint), (3) contact information for three references, and (4) a brief research vision statement to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address] with subject header “RNAlab SynBio app – <name>” as early as possible, and by the closing date.
Expected start date: Immediate to January 1 2026.
1.0 FTE. The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for thoseholding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.
Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.
This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.