Research Scientist

Overview

Advertised

Job Summary:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to hire a Post-Doctoral Fellow to develop microbial heterologous expression systems via synthetic biology technologies, aiming to utilize the vast genetic potentials of the biosynthetic gene clusters from cultivatable microbes for production of bioactive natural products, such as antibiotics and anticancer agents. Following the establishment of a high efficiency heterologous expression system, the selected promising biosynthetic gene clusters will be cloned/synthesized and expressed in this heterologous expression system for production of the corresponding compounds.

The production level and chemical diversity will be further tuned by genetic manipulation. In addition, the biological and/or physiological activities of the compounds discovered will be studied. Additional job responsibilities include contributing to writing manuscripts and reports on funded projects and assisting in training graduate and undergraduate students in their research.

• Develop microbial heterologous expression systems via synthetic biology technologies, aiming to utilize the vast genetic potentials of biosynthetic gene clusters from cultivatable microbes for production of bioactive natural products.
• Assist in supervising and training graduate and undergraduate students in their research projects.
• Contribute to writing manuscripts and reports on funded projects.
• Study biological and/or physiological activities of the compounds discovered.

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a closely related science with experience in microbial genetics, gene editing, and synthetic biology.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge of microbial genetics and synthetic biology; enzymology, natural products chemistry, and biological evaluation are a plus. Strong communication and writing abilities are required.
• Essential Functions: Yes

• Hazardous weather category: Non-Essential
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• EEO Statement: The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.