Description of Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Artificial Photosynthesis
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We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Artificial Photosynthesis to join Synthetic Biology research group led by Professor Wei Huang at the Department of Engineering Science (central Oxford and Begbroke Science Park). The post is funded by BBSRC and is fixed-term for 33 months in the first instance. The project focuses on developing an artificial photosynthetic platform to convert CO2 into valuable bioproducts, advancing sustainable bioeconomy. It heralds a paradigm shift on sustainable production of chemical compounds, food and materials to displace fossil fuels (petrochemicals) with “microbial factory” and boosting the bioeconomy. You will be responsible for development of artificial photosynthesis platform technology; engagement with AI-protein design team to test the performance of novel proteins and coordination with UK and Japanese partners to implement the platform technology. You should possess a PhD in the field of synthetic biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or bioengineering. You should also have a good knowledge and strong background on genetic engineering, molecular cloning and metabolic engineering (ideally synthetic biology). Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Wei Huang (wei.huang@eng.ox.ac.uk) For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ https://eng.ox.ac.uk/people/wei-huang/ Only online applications received before midday on 03 January 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
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Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ
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Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS)
Grade 7: £38,674 -£46,913 per annum (Inclusive of the Oxford Weighting)
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Job Description _________________________________________________________________________ Summary Job title Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Artificial Photosynthesis Division Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division Department Engineering Science Location Parks Road and Begbroke Science Park Grade and salary Grade 7 Hours Full time Contract type Fixed term for 33 Months, with the possibility for extension for a further 10 months. Reporting to Professor Wei Huang Vacancy reference 176521 Research topic Engineering Biology for artificial photosynthetic cell systems Principal Investigator / supervisor Professor Wei Huang Project web site https://eng.ox.ac.uk/people/wei-huang/ https://eng.ox.ac.uk/people/harrison-steel/ Funding partner The funds supporting this research project are provided by BBSRC • Recent publications • • Tu W, Thompson IP, Huang WE.* Engineering bio-nanoreactor in bacteria for efficient hydrogen production. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2024 July 10; 121(29), e2404958121. doi:10.1073/pnas.2404958121. Tu W, Xu J, Thompson IP, Huang WE.* (2023) Engineering artificial photosynthesis based on rhodopsin for CO(2) fixation. Nature Communications 2023 Dec 4;14(1):8012. Davison PA, Tu W, Xu J, Della Valle S, Thompson IP, Hunter CN, Huang WE.* (2022) Engineering a Rhodopsin-Based PhotoElectrosynthetic System in Bacteria for CO(2) Fixation. ACS Synthetic Biology 11(11):3805-3816. The role This is an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the UK-Japan joint research project: Engineering Biology for artificial photosynthetic cell systems. The project takes an interdisciplinary approach to develop an artificial photosynthetic platform. In this role, the successful candidate will focus on developing artificial photosynthesis and converting E. coli into photosynthetic cell. Candidates with experience in one or more of the following disciplines would be well suited to the role: Synthetic Biology, Engineering Biology, Biotechnology, Bioelectro-chemistry, and other related bioscience and engineering disciplines. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with our interdisciplinary team that includes experts in synthetic biology, mathematics, nanomaterials, biochemistry, AI, and biotechnology more broadly, and also interface with team members at Cambridge, Glasgow University, Birmingham University, Southampton University, as well as Tokyo University, Rikkyo University and Nagoya University in Japan. We will engineer E. coli and SimCells to express intracellular membrane to increase light harvesting area of the photosynthesis. Novel materials and nanoparticles will be incorporated to build a bio-hybrid system extending the spectrum of light harvesting. Microfluidic device will be employed to evaluate the performance of engineered E. coli and SimCells. In addition to the experimental work, we will also develop AI models to guide and optimise protein design. The candidate will have a broad remit to take leadership roles in the research team, including by designing new research questions and exploring application domains. They will also have opportunities to provide guidance to other members of the project group (such as PhD and project students), and to present their work at conferences and other meetings. In sum, the candidate will be able to carry through research from ideas to development to impact as part of a long-term and well supported interdisciplinary research endeavour. Responsibilities Specific Duties • • • • • Develop engineered bacteria with predictable performance as a multi-purpose platform for artificial photosynthesis, building on E. coli based SimCells for sunlight harvesting and CO2 fixation. Collaborate with computational researchers in AI and Control to implement designed biosystems and proteins. Engage in interdisciplinary research in Engineering Biology to develop robust and scalable engineered biosystems. Apply these technologies to applications of Engineering Biology in sustainability. Collaborate with a diverse team to develop and disseminate technologies with industry partners, and communicate high-level results for public engagement. Additional Duties • • • • • Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate Contribute ideas for new research projects Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 2 • • • • • • • Collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters Use specialist scientific equipment in a laboratory environment Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups The researcher may have the opportunity to undertake ad-hoc paid teaching (this includes lecturing, demonstrating, small-group teaching, tutoring of undergraduates and graduate students and supervision of masters projects in collaboration with principal investigators). Permission must be sought in advance for each opportunity. Any other duties appropriate with the role. Selection criteria Essential selection criteria • • • • • • Hold a relevant PhD/DPhil or be near completion* in the field of synthetic biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or metabolic engineering. Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in engineering biology, genetic engineering, molecular cloning and metabolic engineering. It would be ideal to have experience on synthetic biology. Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings *please note that ‘near completion’ means that your PhD thesis has been submitted. Desirable selection criteria • • Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication Pre-employment screening Standard checks If you are offered the post, the offer will be subject to standard pre-employment checks. You will be asked to provide: proof of your right-to-work in the UK; proof of your identity; and (if we haven’t done so already) we will contact the referees you have nominated. You will also be asked to complete a health declaration so that you can tell us about any health conditions or disabilities for which you may need us to make appropriate adjustments. Please read the candidate notes on the University’s pre-employment screening procedures at: https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/pre-employment-checks About the University of Oxford PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 3 Welcome to the University of Oxford. We aim to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Oxford’s researchers engage with academic, commercial and cultural partners across the world to stimulate high-quality research and enable innovation through a broad range of social, policy and economic impacts. We believe our strengths lie both in empowering individuals and teams to address fundamental questions of global significance, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. Recognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution. While we have long traditions of scholarship, we are also forward-looking, creative and cutting-edge. Oxford is one of Europe's most entrepreneurial universities and we rank first in the UK for university spin-outs, and in recent years we have spun out 15-20 new companies every year. We are also recognised as leaders in support for social enterprise. Join us and you will find a unique, democratic and international community, a great range of staff benefits and access to a vibrant array of cultural activities in the beautiful city of Oxford. For more information, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation. Engineering Research Group The candidate will be based across the Synthetic Biology group of Professor Wei Huang at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford. Prof Huang’s group comprises a team of 20 researchers including postdoctoral researchers and D.Phil. (PhD) students with a diverse spread of expertise from wet-lab bioscience and synthetic biology to mathematics, and machine learning. The team is highly collaborative and has ongoing work on range of interdisciplinary projects in biotechnology including and beyond those outlined by the UK-Japan project. For more information please visit: https://huanglab.web.ox.ac.uk/home Engineering Science Department Engineering teaching and research takes place at Oxford in a unified Department of Engineering Science whose academic staff are committed to a common engineering foundation as well as to advanced work in their own specialties, which include most branches of the subject. We have especially strong links with computer science, materials science, and medicine. The Department employs 140 academic staff and has around 770 research students, 700 undergraduates and 200 researchers at any one time. Our research and education activities are supported by over 230 Professional and Technical staff. Direct funding of research grants and contracts, from a variety of sources, amounts to an annual turnover of approximately £73m, of which research grant income is approximately £34m. Research activities fall into 8 broad headings, though there is much interdisciplinary research in practice: Information Engineering (Robotics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning); Control; Thermofluids; Materials and Mechanics; Civil and Offshore; Electrical and Optoelectronic; Chemical and Process; and Biomedical. Research Excellence The results of the seven-yearly UK-wide assessment of university research, REF2021, published on 12th May 2022, demonstrate that the University of Oxford made the highest volume of world-leading research submissions. The Department of Engineering Science had 71% of submissions which met the PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 4 requirements for the highest grading of 4*(research that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance, and rigour). Teaching Each year 170-180 new undergraduates start the 4-year course leading to the MEng degree in Engineering Science. The course is accredited at MEng level by the major engineering institutions. The syllabus has a common core extending through the first two years, with specialist options introduced in the third year, and the fourth year offering further specialist material and a major project. Working for the Department The Department of Engineering Science is a diverse, inventive, and dynamic place to work. There are many benefits to working for the University of Oxford, including flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits including a contributory salary scheme, travel discounts, and attractive family policies, as well as many training and self-development opportunities and a wealth of support for mental health and work-life balance. The Department holds a bronze Athena Swan award to recognise advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee who evaluate our position and help formulate plans to take us forward. Researchers are supported via training, a researcher committee, regular events, career development support and opportunities to develop science communication and other useful skills. We have a wellestablished and active Women in Engineering network which fosters a supportive community for women engineers across various disciplines, organizes engaging and inspiring events for all. Further information about the Department is available at www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/. The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences Division The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the four academic divisions of the University. In the results of the six-yearly UK-wide assessment of university research, REF2014, the MPLS division received the highest overall grade point average (GPA) and the highest GPA for outputs. We received the highest proportion of 4* outputs, and the highest proportion of 4* activity overall. More than 50 per cent of MPLS activity was assessed as world leading. The MPLS Division's 10 departments and 3 interdisciplinary units span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work. Our research addresses major societal and technological challenges and is increasingly focused on key interdisciplinary issues. MPLS is proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academe. We have a strong tradition of attracting and nurturing the very best early career researchers who regularly secure prestigious fellowships We have around 6,000 students and play a major role in training the next generation of leading scientists. Oxford's international reputation for excellence in teaching is reflected in its position at the top of the major league tables and subject assessments. MPLS is dedicated to bringing the wonder and potential of science to the attention of audiences far beyond the world of academia. We have a strong commitment to supporting public engagement in science through initiatives including the Oxford Sparks portal (http://www.oxfordsparks.net/) and a large variety of outreach activities. We also endeavour to bring the potential of our scientific efforts PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 5 forward for practical and beneficial application to the real world and our desire is to link our best scientific minds with industry and public policy makers. For more information about the MPLS division, please visit: http://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/ How to apply Applications are made through our online recruitment portal. Information about how to apply is available on our Jobs website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. As part of your application you will be asked to provide details of two referees and indicate whether we can contact them now. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants) Please upload all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. All applications must be received by midday UK time on the closing date stated in the online advertisement. Information for priority candidates A priority candidate is a University employee who is seeking redeployment because they have been advised that they are at risk of redundancy, or on grounds of ill-health/disability. Priority candidates are issued with a redeployment letter by their employing department(s). If you are a priority candidate, please ensure that you attach your redeployment letter to your application (or email it to the contact address on the advert if the application form used for the vacancy does not allow attachments). If you need help Application FAQs, including technical troubleshooting advice is available at: https://staff.web.ox.ac.uk/recruitment-support-faqs Non-technical questions about this job should be addressed to the recruiting department directly: recruitment@eng.ox.ac.uk To return to the online application at any stage, please go to: www.recruit.ox.ac.uk. Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. Important information for candidates Data Privacy Please note that any personal data submitted to the University as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. For further information, please see the University’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/job-applicant-privacy-policy. The University’s Policy on Data Protection is available at: https://compliance.admin.ox.ac.uk/data-protection-policy. PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 6 The University’s policy on retirement The University operates an Employer Justified Retirement Age (EJRA) for very senior research posts at grade RSIV/D35 and clinical equivalents E62 and E82, which with effect from 1 October 2023 will be 30 September before the 70th birthday. The justification for this is explained at: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. For existing employees on these grades, any employment beyond the retirement age is subject to approval through the procedures: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/the-ejra. There is no normal or fixed age at which staff in posts at other grades have to retire. Staff at these grades may elect to retire in accordance with the rules of the applicable pension scheme, as may be amended from time to time. Equality of opportunity Entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 7 Benefits of working at the University Employee benefits University employees enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, and a variety of professional development opportunities. Our range of other employee benefits and discounts also includes free entry to the Botanic Gardens and University colleges, and discounts at University museums. See https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits University Club and sports facilities Membership of the University Club is free for all University staff. The University Club offers social, sporting, and hospitality facilities. Staff can also use the University Sports Centre on Iffley Road at discounted rates, including a fitness centre, powerlifting room, and swimming pool. See www.club.ox.ac.uk and https://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/. Information for staff new to Oxford If you are relocating to Oxfordshire from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, the University's Welcome Service website includes practical information about settling in the area, including advice on relocation, accommodation, and local schools. See https://welcome.ox.ac.uk/ There is also a visa loan scheme to cover the costs of UK visa applications for staff and their dependents. See https://staffimmigration.admin.ox.ac.uk/visa-loan-scheme Family-friendly benefits With one of the most generous family leave schemes in the Higher Education sector, and a range of flexible working options, Oxford aims to be a family-friendly employer The University has excellent childcare services, including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at many other private nurseries. For full details, including how to apply and the costs, see https://childcare.admin.ox.ac.uk/ Disabled staff We are committed to supporting members of staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further details, including information about how to make contact, in confidence, with the University’s Staff Disability Advisor, see https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/disability-support Staff networks The University has a number of staff networks including the Oxford Research Staff Society, BME staff network, LGBT+ staff network and a disabled staff network. You can find more information at https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/networks The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club The University of Oxford Newcomers' Club is an organisation run by volunteers that aims to assist the partners of new staff settle into Oxford, and provides them with an opportunity to meet people and make connections in the local area. See www.newcomers.ox.ac.uk. PDRA in Artificial Photosynthesis JD-SC 8