Senior Research Associate: Human Frontier Science Program

We are seeking one researcher to join a Human Frontier Science Program funded study investigating the cellular role of diesel-like hydrocarbons in cyanobacteria and algae. Release of cyanobacterial hydrocarbons into the environment is vast (Lea-Smith et al, PNAS, 2015) and these compounds are essential for optimal cell size, division and growth (Lea-Smith et al, Plant Physiology, 2016). However, the exact cellular role of these hydrocarbons is unknown. With collaborators at Imperial College London, the University of Auckland and the European Spallation Source, Sweden, the researcher will use a range of techniques to determine whether these compounds induce membrane curvature by a unique mechanism previously unobserved in nature. The successful applicant will be responsible for generating algal and cyanobacterial mutants, and characterising membrane curvature in live cells and purified membrane fractions. The position is full time and available for a fixed term of 34 months.

https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/senior-research-associate-2-posts-university-of-east-anglia-uea-696759