The Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) is looking for a Postdoc Researcher to be part of the group working on the production of volatile organic compounds and antimicrobials of endophytic-origin for application in the field of perfumes, aromas and fragrances through biotechnological processes based on metabolic engineering.

CRAG is an independent research institution engaged in leading-edge basic and applied plant and farm animal sciences. CRAG is established as a Consortium of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), and University of Barcelona (UB). The Center is located at the UAB Campus, and currently hosts 200 members from across the world.

Research Programs at CRAG (from basic science to applied research using plant experimental model systems, crops and farm animals) make extensive use of genomic technologies and large sets of genetic and genomic data (https://biennialreport2016-2017.cragenomica.es/).

Responsibilities:

The laboratory is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher, who will be involved in a project that aims at the identification of endophytes that produce volatile organic compounds and antimicrobials of biotechnological interest. The chemical identity of the bioactive compounds produced by the selected endophytes will be extremely valuable to elucidate the corresponding biosynthetic pathways through the bioinformatic analysis of the genome of the targeted microorganisms. The identity of the candidate genes will be confirmed by expression in heterologous hosts. This information will be used to reconstruct the biosynthesis pathways in an heterologous system that will ultimately be tested for the pilot scale production of the most promising compounds. These tasks are included within the framework of the project FITOMATICS, financed from the Retos Colaboración Program of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This is a small collaborative project carried out by a consortium including the CRAG, the CARINSA Group and the LEITAT Technological Center.

Requirements:

Educational Requirements: The candidate should have completed a PhD degree program in Biotechnology maximum two years before the end of the application period.

Required Skills: The candidate should have documented laboratory experience in standard biochemical and molecular biology techniques as well as in plant secondary metabolism. A good knowledge in bioinformatics and previous experience in working with the plant microbiome, notably with endophytes, is an advantage. The candidate is expected to have good social skills and the ability to work independently, as well as to cooperate in a team. Creativity, ability to communicate and take initiatives, and good skills in the English language are also required.

We offer:

Contract duration: 7 months, with a possibility of extension maximum 2 years more.

Hours/week: Full time

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates, please submit (all the documents are mandatory for the application):

•             Letter of motivation describing detailing experience.

•             CV.

•             At least 3 references (including email address and phone number)

Please submit all the application through CRAG website: http://www.cragenomica.es/jobs

CRAG is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission. All candidates will be considered qualified for the job without restrictions of gender, race, nationality or disability.

Deadline: 23/05/2019

Start date: 1/06/2019