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Stellenbosch University
Department of Microbiology
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship
A postdoctoral fellowship is available for fulltime research for a one year
period.
Research: Short chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) are used as a
prebiotic in human diets, a special food for diabetics and as a diuretic agent.
Due to this importance it is imperative to find candidate fructosylfuranosidase
(Ffase) enzymes to catalyse the synthesis of scFOS, to biochemically
characterise novel fructosylfuranosidases enzymes for their industrial
applicability, to develop processes for scFOS production with refined sugar
using the preferred enzymes and to optimise the production processes of
candidate fructosylfuranosidases enzymes for industrial production. The main
research focus of the project is the bioprospecting for fructofuranosidase
enzymes for the synthesis of short chain fructooligosaccharides.
We aim to achieve the objectives of this program using a range of cutting‐edge
molecular and metatranscriptomics methodologies. The screening of
metatranscriptome libraries enriched for eukaryotic mRNA’s will be developed and
employed in this project. Furthermore, classic screening regimes for culturable
microbes will also be conducted. The project is made possible as part of funding
by PlantBio.
Requirements: A PhD in obtained within the past five years, with a strong
background in cDNA library construction, high throughput screening
methodologies, molecular biology and yeast biotechnology.
Applications: A cover letter with a full curriculum vitae including all
research outputs must be submitted to Dr. Heinrich Volschenk, Department of
Microbiology, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, by Fax to 021 808 5846 or by
e-mail to volschenkh@sun.ac.za.
Successful applicants will be subject to Stellenbosch University policies and
procedures.
Closing date for applications: 31 March 2010
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Stellenbosch University
Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (C•I•B)
The Centre for Invasion Biology (C•I•B) is a dynamic, internationally leading
agency which undertakes research to reduce the rate and impacts of biological
invasions. We are looking for an enthusiastic, visionary, and appropriately
skilled and qualified person to join our core staff in Stellenbosch.
C•I•B appointments are subject to annual performance assessments.
C•I•B Research & Project Manager
(Five-year Contract Appointment with Benefits)
(Ref. NW10/60/0310)
Duties: Climate change-related biological research, specifically
database and evolutionary physiological research in support of bottom-up climate
modelling of insects (60% of time) • assistance with the management of climate
change and biological invasion projects, including the Overarching Strategic
Plan and Working for Water related-projects (40% of time).
Requirements: PhD in Whole Organismal Biology or Ecology • at least one
year’s project management experience • ability to use laboratory equipment
applied in physiological ecology studies • ability to construct and populate
databases • ability to compile a budget and work plan for a project, manage a
project and its budget, and report against the project budget and work plan •
ability to write clear, succinct scientific project reports • excellent oral and
written communication skills across a range of levels in English and one other
South African language • comprehensive computer literacy pertaining to writing,
spreadsheets and statistical analyses • valid Code EB (08) driver’s licence •
willingness to travel away from home for eight weeks of the year.
Recommendation: Experience in working with insects within a laboratory
setting.
Commencement of duties: 1 June 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: 31 March 2010
Enquiries: Prof. S.L. Chown on +27 21 808 2385/2725
The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity
Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of
the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable
candidates from the designated groups.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.
A competitive remuneration package and excellent service benefits are
attached to this position. For further details, contact +27 21 808 2753.
Your application, comprising a letter of motivation and a comprehensive
curriculum vitae (including the names and contact details of at least two
referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the
advertised post.
Apply online at
http://www.sun.ac.za/vacancies.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other
selection instruments.
Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the
closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.
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North-West University
MSc position
Research and bursary funding worth R45000.00 for 2010 / 2011 is available
immediately for a highly motivated Masters student in the field of molecular
biology, molecular ecology, to be based at the North-West University
Potchefstroom Campus, Department of Botany, South Africa.
Title: Genetic biodiversity of the pantropical grass vetiver (Vetiveria
zizanioides (L.) Nash)
MSc bursary available Study leaders Dr Sandra Barnard and Prof Johnnie van den
Berg.
Applicants must possess B.Sc. and Honours degrees in a related biological field
(eg. zoology, botany, biochemistry, etc.) and have a keen interest in both field
and laboratory-based research. The successful applicant will acquire skills in
an exciting and widely applicable interdisciplinary field involving marker
analysis.
All interested candidates, please email your CV and a letter of motivation as
soon as possible to:
sandra.barnard@nwu.ac.za
cell 0824301772
fax 018 2992503
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University of the Western Cape
The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics [IMBM]
Post-Graduate Research Projects
Department of Biotechnology
University of the Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa
The following research projects are available in 2010. Enquiries should be
forwarded to Professor Don Cowan, Director, IMBM
(imbm.uwc@gmail.com). Please note that
PhD and Masters bursaries can only be awarded to South African citizens.
PhD and MSc Projects
i. Technologies for production of biofuels: The enzymology of lignocellulose
degradation
IMBM has a well established research platform in the field of biofuels research,
funded by the NRF, PlantBio and several industrial partners. Several projects
involving the discovery, expression and characterization of lignocellulosic
degrading enzymes, identified using metagenomic and high throughput screening
methods, are available.
ii. Technologies for production of biofuels: Understanding the physiological
responses of ethanologenic microorganisms to solvent and inhibitors.
This project involves the use of proteomics methods to investigate the effect of
solvents and growth inhibitors on fermentation performance and gene expression.
iii. Molecular ecology of Ethiopian and Kenyan haloalkaline lake systems.
In collaboration with researchers from the Universities of Bergen (Norway),
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and the Jomo Kenyatta Technical University (Kenya), we
are studying the diversity of culturable and unculturable bacteria in the high
salt, high pH Rift Valley lakes of eastern Arfica.
iv. Characterization of actinomycetes in Western Cape Fynbos
Cape fynbos biome is internationally acknowledged as one of the biodiversity
‘hotspots’ of the world. This research programme focuses on the diversity of the
terrestrial actinomycetes in this unique and specialised environment. The
diversity of these organisms will be determined by using conventional isolation
methods together with modern molecular technologies.
v. Characterization of psychrotrophic microbial communities in Antarctic
desert soils
Antarctic desert soils are rich sources of novel cold active microorganisms.
Researchers will join a team, in collaboration with other scientists from
universities in New Zealand and Hong Kong, to investigate the phylogenetic and
culturable diversity of groups of industrially important microorganisms
(including actinomycetes and cyanobacteria). Other aspects of this program
include studies of gene expression and of key nutrient cycling processes in
specialized Antarctic habitats.
vi. Metagenomic mining and characterization of novel extremophilic enzymes
The researcher will join a team working on metagenomic methods for identifying
new enzymes. The project involves the preparation and screening of fosmid
libraries, sub-cloning and expression of selected genes, and detailed
structure-function studies on candidate proteins.
vii. Plant-associated bacteria as tools for crop improvement
The project will involve a phylogenetic survey of rhizospheric microbial
populations of major crop species, the attempted culturing of target species,
and the development of isolates for constitutive expression of plant-growth
promoters.
viii. Assembly and annotation of novel Antarctic microbial genomes
We have recently obtained Illumina sequence data from the genomes a several
novel Antarctic microbial isolates, including a halo-alkalo-psychrophilic
Nesterenkonia isolate. The project, in collaboration with Prof Alan Christoffels
of the SA National Bioinformatics Institute, will involve a team of researchers
undertaking the completion, assembly and annotation of the genomes.
ix. Structure-function studies with nitrile hydratases and amidases.
These project are for students interested in enzymology, biocatalysis, site
specific mutations and structural analysis. In collaboration with Prof Trevor
Sewell, we aim to use mutagenesis to modify the active sites of several enzymes
implicated in the degradation of nitriles. One of our objectives is to introduce
enantioselectivity into nitrile hydratases using enzyme evolution methods.
x. Endemic endophytic microorganisms: Diversity and Gene Mining
Endophytes (non-pathogenic microorganisms adapted to life inside plant tissues)
are a poorly understood group. In collaboration with several other research
teams, we aim to expand our understanding of the endophyte diversity of Cape
endemic plant species, and to use metagenomic methods to access potentially
valuable genes and enzymes from this important genetic resource.
xi. Biology of extremophilic phage
This project is designed to investigate the more basic and fundamental aspects
of phage diversity in extreme environments, particularly in halo-alkaline
samples. This will involve the isolation and functional and genetic
characterization of the phages.
Professor DA Cowan, Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics,
Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535,
South Africa www.imbm.co.za
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Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Biocatalysis and Technical Biology
MSc/PhD/Postdoctoral
Several positions available in the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology
research group at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa.
More information
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Rhodes University
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology &
Biotechnology
Mycorrhizal Research Group
Please see attached pdf.
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University of the Western Cape
PhD/Postdoc in Phage Display
A PhD/Postdoc position is available in the Protein-protein Interaction group
at the University of the Western Cape to implement a Phage Display screen1
for the identification of novel protein-protein interactions. The group
currently comprises 4 PhD and 2 MSc students, focussing primarily on
interactions involving the RBBP6 p53-associated protein2;
3. The project will complement a number of similar techniques
currently in use within the group, including yeast two-hybrid,
immunoprecipitation, BIACore and NMR-based studies. The group has excellent
facilities for molecular biology and bacterial protein expression, BIACore and
fluorescence microscopy, as well as access to a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer
configured for biomolecular work at a nearby institution.
The University of the Western Cape is situated 20 minutes’ drive from central
Cape Town. Cape Town and the surrounding areas offer excellent quality of life,
including mountains, beaches, winelands and fine restaurants. Childcare and
excellent schools are readily available.
Applicants should have a strong background in molecular biology. Previous
experience of phage display or the construction of cDNA libraries would be an
advantage, but are not essential.
For more information contact Dr David Pugh, email:
dpugh@uwc.ac.za. To apply, send a covering
letter, a CV containing details of previous courses and associated grades and
the email addresses of 3 referees to the above address.
More information:
1. Lanzillotti, R. & Coetzer, T. L. (2008). Phage display: a useful tool for
malaria research? Trends Parasitol 24, 18-23.
Pubmed
2. Pugh, D. J., AB, E., Faro, A., Lutya, P. T., Hoffmann, E. & Rees, D. J.
(2006). DWNN, a novel ubiquitin-like domain, implicates RBBP6 in mRNA processing
and ubiquitin-like pathways. BMC Struct Biol 6, 1.
Pubmed
3. Chibi, M., Meyer, M., Skepu, A., Rees, D. J., Moolman-Smook, J. C. & Pugh, D.
J. (2008). RBBP6 Interacts with Multifunctional Protein YB-1 through Its RING
Finger Domain, Leading to Ubiquitination and Proteosomal Degradation of YB-1. J
Mol Biol.
Pubmed
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