Postdoctoral Scientist
Postdoctoral Scientist in the Identification of Microbes and Enzymes that Degrade Plastics
Application Deadline May 01, 2022
Open Plastic is a Queen’s University-led interdisciplinary research consortium focused on harnessing microbial technologies to drive a shift towards a zero-plastic waste future. Open Plastic currently has an opening available for a:
Postdoctoral Scientist
in the Identification of Microbes and Enzymes that Degrade Plastics
This fully funded, two-year position is part of a collaborative multi-group project exploring natural environments to develop innovative plastic bio-recycling technologies. Working with others in the lab, the Postdoctoral Scientist will use diverse metagenomic, comparative genomics, functional genomics, and microbiological approaches to identify and characterize novel enzymes and microbes capable of depolymerizing plastics to be biologically engineered for improved activity. The research will be supervised by Dr. George diCenzo (Department of Biology), in collaboration with a highly interdisciplinary team of experts including Dr. Laurence Yang (Department of Chemical Engineering), Dr. James McLellan (Department of Chemical Engineering), and Dr. David Zechel (Department of Chemistry), as well as academic and industrial partners across Ontario and Québec. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to other projects in the lab if desired, as well as to develop novel research directions to be taken with them upon leaving the group.
Anticipated Start Date and Duration of Appointment:
Flexible with a preferred start date of 1 July 2022. Start dates earlier or later than 1 July 2022 are also possible. Initial appointment will be for 1- year with the expectation of an extension for a second year.
Remuneration:
Annual compensation will be $48,000 plus benefits.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, biology, biochemistry, or a related field obtained within the last five years. Expertise in bioinformatics or computational biology is required. Experience working with metagenomics datasets, high-throughput sequencing data (Illumina, Nanopore), and/or analyzing bacterial genomes is preferred. Applicants should also have a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international research conferences, as well as good communication skills and an interest in collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit
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a cover letter, outlining their qualifications and motivations for this position,
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a curriculum vitae,
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two samples of research writing, and
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the names and contact information of three references to dicenzo.lab@gmail.com.
The application deadline is 1 May 2022. Inquiries about the project and position can be requested from Dr. George diCenzo (dicenzo.lab@gmail.com).
Employment Equity:
Queen’s University invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2+ persons. We have a track record of supporting all our employees, including our Accommodation in the Workplace Policy, and will provide support in recruitment processes for applicants with accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact Dr. George diCenzo at dicenzo.lab@gmail.com.