Research field

Most yeasts can undergo a sexual cycle including mating, meiosis, and spore formation, leading to a recombination of the genomes of the mating partners. While this cycle is well understood for a few model yeasts, there is still a lot of open questions for many yeasts of biotechnological interest, such as Pichia pastoris. We have recently published the first stable mating-type strains and an in-depth characterization of mating regulation (Heistinger et al. 2018. Mol Cell Biol. 38:2 e00398-17). This opens huge opportunities to recombine natural genomes, engineer complex genetic traits and evolve production strains.
The aim of this project is the characterization of genetic traits determining the protein production potential of Pichia pastoris and related species. The method spectrum will include crossing of yeast strains, analysis of the offspring with classical genetic methods, next-generation sequencing and analysis of quantitative trait loci by QTL mapping as well as state of the art molecular biology methods like Golden Gate cloning and CRISPR/Cas9.
Research will take place in the working group “Microbial Biotechnology” at the Department of Biotechnology of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) http://www.biotec.boku.ac.at/15653.html

Requirements

• Completed Master degree (or equivalent) in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or similar study.
• Strong background in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and biotechnology.
• Strong practical experience in molecular biology requested.
• 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.
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Application deadline: 15.01.2019 Start: March/April 2019
Please apply by email to birgit.marckhgott@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.