We are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how the conflict between robustness and plasticity drives microbial evolution. The successful candidate will construct a variety of synthetic systems involving different levels of organisation (from operons to multi-strain consortia), which s/he will then subject to high-throughput fitness assays and evolve-and-resequence experiments.

Expertise in molecular microbiology methods is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in synthetic or molecular biology, but candidates with backgrounds in plant-microbe interactions or experimental evolution are also welcome. Expertise in modular gene assembly (e.g. Gibson, golden gate) or high-throughput techniques (e.g.,TnSeq, multi-site mutagenesis) will be considered a plus. Good English communication skills, both written and oral, are expected.

We anticipate the position having a substantial degree of independence. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation. There will be ample opportunity for career development, including the possibility to co-supervise PhD, MSc and undergraduate students, apply for funding, teaching and present her/his work on international conferences.

The post is available as soon as possible for 2 years in the first instance. The successful candidate will join an emerging team led by Dr Couce at the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), a mixed research centre supported by the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA). The project is funded through the Severo Ochoa Excellence program, the highest institutional recognition of scientific excellence in Spain, awarded only to the top research institutions across all disciplines in the country.

The everyday working language in the laboratory is English, and most administrative tasks, training and seminars arranged by the institute are conducted in English. Being the third-largest metropolitan area in the EU, Madrid is a vibrant, multicultural hub with a high quality of life and a thriving cultural scene. The position offers a highly competitive salary with all the benefits of the Spanish National Social Security System, comprising generous sick/maternity/paternity leaves and health, unemployment and retirement insurances.

Interested candidates please send a single PDF file with a cover letter and a CV including publication list to Dr Alejandro Couce (acouce@imperial.ac.uk). Candidates short-listed for interview will be additionally requested two recommendation letters. Please include the word “EvolutionarySynthBio” in the subject line.