Genetics, evolution and virulence of yeasts (3 postdoc positions)

Postdoctoral positions in genetics, evolution and virulence of yeasts

All positions are based in the Conway Institute at University College Dublin, Ireland.


** Position 1 **
Analysis of virulence in the pathogenic yeast Candida parapsilosis
(one early stage postdoctoral position).

This position is in Prof. Geraldine Butler’s group. Candida parapsilosis is a major cause of hospital-acquired infection, particularly in the very old and the very young. Infection is associated with growth as biofilms (living mats) on the surfaces of indwelling medical devices, such as catheters. The Butler group uses genome-wide analysis to identify regulators of biofilm development, and other factors associated with virulence. A current goal is to generate a large collection of gene knockouts in C. parapsilosis using the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, which will be screened for phenotypes associated with biofilm development, host response, and virulence characteristics. (See Holland et al, PLoS Pathogens 2014; PMID 25233198).

Lab website: http://tinyurl.com/UCDgbutler

The position is for at least 2 years, available immediately.
Applications must be made via the UCD site, http://www.ucd.ie/hr/jobvacancies/
Click "Job vacancies for external applicants" and enter Reference Number 008089

Salary: €33,975 per annum.

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** Positions 2 and 3 **
Genetics and evolution in Biotech Yeasts
(two positions, at early or senior post-doctoral level).

These positions are in Prof. Kenneth H. Wolfe’s group. Methylotrophic yeasts such as Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha are important in biotechnology, with applications in recombinant protein production. Other less well-known species, such as Pachysolen tannophilus and Lipomyces starkeyi, have high potential as producers of biofuels. Our goal is to develop methods for genetic analysis in these four species, by (1) characterizing their mating systems and generating heterothallic strains, (2) identifying natural genetic variation (SNPs), and (3) using quantitative trait locus (QTL) genetic analysis to map loci relevant to biotech traits. This project will have a strong evolutionary component as well as biotechnological applications. The Wolfe lab focuses on genome evolution in yeast species, using both wet-lab (molecular biology) and dry-lab (bioinformatics) approaches. (See Hanson et al, PNAS 2014; PMID 25349420).

Lab website: http://wolfe.ucd.ie

The positions are for up to 3.5 years, available immediately.
Applications must be made via the UCD site, http://www.ucd.ie/hr/jobvacancies/
Click "Job vacancies for external applicants" and enter Reference Number 008112

Salary: €33,975 – €42,394 per annum.

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The Wolfe and Butler groups work closely together and are both located in UCD Conway Institute. The Butler/Wolfe groups encourage applications from enthusiastic individuals with an interest in fungal biology and evolution. All applicants should have completed a relevant PhD before starting.

Applicants may apply to one or both groups, with a deadline of 5.00 pm GMT March 4th 2016.

Interviews for the positions in both groups will be held simultaneously. Interviews will be held in Dublin or by Skype during March.

Applications *MUST* be made through the UCD web site as outlined above, and will not be accepted by email.

For further detail, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]