One Ph.D. student position is available in the Antibiotic Biosynthetic Enzymes research group (ABE) at the University of Turku, Finland. The ABE group is interested in understanding the biological basis of how soil-dwelling Streptomyces bacteria are able to produce a wealth of natural products, many of which are important in medical applications. One of the founding ideas is that novel compounds with improved pharmaceutical activities can be generated by pathway engineered using synthetic biology.

The applicants should hold a M.Sc. degree in a relevant field. Experience in molecular biology is essential as the project involves cloning in E. coli and Streptomyces. Experience in bioinformatic analysis of microbial genome sequences is considered as a bonus. Previous knowledge about secondary metabolism, microbial natural products and their biosynthesis will also be beneficial. Finally, applications from candidates with a strong background in chemistry are also considered.

The successful applicant will be introduced to a highly multidisciplinary research team, where we routinely utilize a combination of techniques ranging from advanced molecular genetic methods (genome sequencing, cloning of gene clusters, recombineering, gene knock-outs etc.), to production and characterization of biosynthetic enzymes (protein purification, X-ray crystallography) and to natural product chemistry (MS and NMR spectroscopy).

To date, the group has sequence five genomes, cloned six biosynthetic pathways, and determined the structures of numerous novel natural products and enzymes. The protein crystallography studies have been conducted together with a group from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Applications (including a short description of research interests and experience, CV, and names of two referees) and inquiries should be sent to the PI Mikko Metsä-Ketelä by e-mail (mianme@utu.fimailto:mianme@utu.fi ). Applications will be considered until 31.6.2016 or until suitable candidates have been found. The position will be filled as soon as possible.