Research field

Yeasts are important hosts for production of industrial enzymes and biopharmaceutical proteins. The aim of this project is to study and engineer cellular regulation mechanisms in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.
In the course of this thesis, the impact of selected genes on protein synthesis will be assessed by generation of the respective gene knock-out and overexpression strains, using state-of-the-art high throughput methods such as Golden Gate Cloning and CRISPR/Cas9. P. pastoris strains containing the most promising modification(s) will then be characterized in further detail using appropriate molecular biology and biochemical methods. The impact on production of recombinant model proteins will furthermore be studied in small scale and bioreactor cultivations.
Research will take place in the working group “Microbial Biotechnology” at the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) http://www.biotec.boku.ac.at/arbeitsgruppenresearch-groups/research-group-mattanovich-gasser-sauer.

Requirements

• Completed Master degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or similar study.
• Strong background in cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related disciplines.
• Strong practical experience in molecular biology requested, and scientific interest in bioreactor cultivation desired.
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English, an organized approach with strong attention to detail and good communication skills with ability to work well in teams.

Application deadline: 20.9.2017 Start: Oct-Dec 2017 Please apply by email to sigrid.pratsch@boku.ac.at with a single PDF file containing: a detailed CV and publication list, copies of university degree documents, contact information (phone number and email) and contact details of up to 3 academic referees