Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to hire a Post-Doctoral Fellow to develop microbial heterologous expression systems via synthetic biology technologies, aiming to utilize the vast genetic potentials of the biosynthetic gene clusters from cultivatable microbes for production of bioactive natural products, such as antibiotics and anticancer agents. Following the establishment of a high efficiency heterologous expression system, the selected promising biosynthetic gene clusters will be cloned / synthesized and expressed in this heterologous expression system for production of the corresponding compounds. The production level and chemical diversity will be further tuned by genetic manipulation. In addition, the biological and / or physiological activities of the compounds discovered will be studied.

Additional job responsibilities include contributing to writing manuscripts and reports on funded projects and assisting in training graduate and undergraduate students in their research.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a closely related science with experience in microbial genetics, gene editing, and synthetic biology.

Required Certification, Licensure / Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge of microbial genetics and synthetic biology are required; Enzymology, natural products chemistry, and biological evaluation would be a plus. Strong communication and writing abilities are also required.

Job Duties Job Duty

Develop microbial heterologous expression systems via synthetic biology technologies, aiming to utilize the vast genetic potentials of the biosynthetic gene clusters from cultivatable microbes for production of bioactive natural products.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 40 Job Duty

Assists in supervising and training graduate and undergraduate students in their research projects.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Contribute to writing manuscripts and reports on funded projects.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Biological and / or physiological activities of the compounds discovered will be studied.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Position Attributes Hazardous weather category Non-Essential Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR Drug and Alcohol Testing. No Posting Detail Information Desired Start Date 05 / 16 / Position End Date 04 / 30 / Job Open Date 04 / 30 / Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. Quicklink for Posting EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations. Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• ).
• Do you have at least a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or a closely related science with experience in microbial genetics, gene editing, and synthetic biology? Yes No

Applicant Documents Required Documents Optional Documents