Postdoc in Genetic Engineering of Green Microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii with the Purpose of Acquiring Plastic Degrading Traits

Job Description
A postdoc position focusing on genetic engineering of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalga with the purpose of acquiring plastic degrading traits is available in the research group of Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Odense Denmark. The position is available from 1^st of January 2026 or soon thereafter.

Research Project
You will use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to fuse plastic degrading enzymes onto native surface-exposed proteins of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr). This strategy will leverage the natural swimming behaviour of Cr which uses flagella to move in aqueous environments in search of nutrients and sunlight enabling it to access and degrade the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in natural environments.

PET accounts for more than 10% of all plastic produced globally and is widely used for food and beverage packaging due to its resistance to natural degradation. However this stability also leads to PET accumulation in the environment. Recent studies identified natural bio-converters such as bacteria and fungi that contain efficient PET-degrading enzymes (PETases). These PETases are currently being optimized to enhance their enzymatic activity under normal environmental conditions.

Current biocatalytic strategies for PET degradation involve the recombinant production and isolation of PETases in bacteria followed by their release or secretion directly in PET-contaminated environments. However this approach is labour-intensive expensive inefficient and can lead to contamination with bacterial contrast living microalgae present a more suitable alternative for environmental applications as they are photoautotrophic naturally inactivate other contaminants and are devoid of endotoxins.

The project is supported by a Villum Experiment grant awarded to Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman.

Lab and Research Environment
You will be part of the research group led by Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman (Petriman group) within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Petriman group is associated with the Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology research unit at BMB and the Danish National Mass Spectrometry Platform for Proteomics and Biomolecular Imaging (PLATO) which provides a highly international collaborative ambitious and innovative research environment in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (e.g. proteomics and bioimaging) and extensive expertise in functional proteomics. Through SDU you will also have access to the EMBION cryo-EM facility located at the University of Aarhus Denmark. This international well-equipped highly ambitious and supportive research environment therefore provides a great setting for pursuing novel research ideas and developing your independent career.

Your Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated determined innovative and collaborative postdoc to lead the research project outlined above. You have:

• A PhD in life science e.g. molecular biology or biochemistry.
• Expertise in CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing.
• Experience with culturing green microalgae.
• Experience with fluorescence activating cell sorting (FACS) or desire to learn.
• Experience with scanning electron microscopy or desire to learn.
• Experience with mass-spectrometry techniques.
• Motivation and strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Prior experience in gene editing of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is considered an advantage.

We Offer

• A 2-year long postdoc position in a stimulating vibrant and supportive research environment with a focus on mentoring and individual career development.
• Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management oral and written communication and networking.
• Participation to international conferences to facilitate successful integration into the green microalgae research field and networking
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment facilities and infrastructure within functional proteomics including a unique collection of advanced instrumentation for mass spectrometry (e.g. Orbitrap Astral Eclipse and Exploris from Thermo Fisher Scientific and timsTOF Ultra 2 and timsTOF HT from Bruker) and for bioimaging (e.g. Abberior facility line STED and MINFLUX Nikon 3D STORM and Nikon dual cam SIM). Access to the state-of the art EMBION cryo-EM facility.
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage parental leave social security etc).
• Support with practical social and legal aspects (e.g. housing visa tax etc) through our international staff office (ISO) and the department.

For further information please contact Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman at.

Application salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).Please check links for more information onsalary(only available in Danish)and taxation.

The application must include the following:

• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment with start and end dates
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely
• Copy of PhD diploma. If awaiting PhD diploma provide a written statement from your supervisor.
• A motivation letter no longer than one A4 page.
• Optional: One reference letter from your PhD supervisor and one reference letter from any scientist from your past working environment. Alternatively you can also provide contact details such as e-mail or phone number.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link Apply now. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDUbefore you apply.

Further informationfor international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.