Job Description
A postdoc position focusing on genetic engineering of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii microalga with the purpose of acquiring plastic degrading traits is available in the research group of Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense, Denmark. The position is available from 1st of January 2026 or soon thereafter.
Research Project
You will use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to fuse plastic degrading enzymes onto native, surface-exposed proteins of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr). This strategy will leverage the natural swimming behaviour of Cr, which uses flagella to move in aqueous environments in search of nutrients and sunlight, enabling it to access and degrade the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in natural environments.
PET accounts for more than 10% of all plastic produced globally and is widely used for food and beverage packaging due to its resistance to natural degradation. However, this stability also leads to PET accumulation in the environment. Recent studies identified natural bio-converters, such as bacteria and fungi that contain efficient PET-degrading enzymes (PETases). These PETases are currently being optimized to enhance their enzymatic activity under normal environmental conditions.
Current biocatalytic strategies for PET degradation involve the recombinant production and isolation of PETases in bacteria, followed by their release or secretion directly in PET-contaminated environments. However, this approach is labour-intensive, expensive, inefficient and can lead to contamination with bacterial endotoxins. In contrast, living microalgae present a more suitable alternative for environmental applications, as they are photoautotrophic, naturally inactivate other contaminants, and are devoid of endotoxins.
The project is supported by a Villum Experiment grant awarded to Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman.
Lab and Research Environment
You will be part of the research group led by Assistant Prof. Narcis-Adrian Petriman (Petriman group) within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Petriman group is associated with the ‘Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology research unit’ at BMB and the ‘Danish National Mass Spectrometry Platform for Proteomics and Biomolecular Imaging’ (PLATO), which provides a highly international, collaborative, ambitious and innovative research environment in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (e.g., proteomics and bioimaging) and extensive expertise in functional proteomics. Through SDU, you will also have access to the EMBION cryo-EM facility located at the University of Aarhus, Denmark. This international, well-equipped, highly ambitious and supportive research environment therefore provides a great setting for pursuing novel research ideas and developing your independent career.
Application deadline: 15 November 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Please see the full call, including how to apply, onhttps://fa-eosd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/da/sites/CX_1001/job/3260/?utm_medium=jobshare