Applicationsare invited for a 3 year, BBSRC-funded postdoctoral researchassistantship to study biotransformations using two novel enzymes, anenantioselective nitroalkene reductase from Clostridium sporogenes and an aliphatic nitro reductase from Peptostreptococcus productus.The aim is to study the substrate range and enantioselectivity of theenzymes, and to develop viable reduction of prochiral nitroalkenes toenantiopure aminoalkanes using metabolically engineered whole cellbiocatalysts. You will synthesize substrates, test thebiotransformations using isolated enzymes and whole cells andcharacterise the reaction products. The work will involve a variety ofsyntheses and the development of parallel synthesis, chiral analysisand characterization. The project will enable you to combine synthesis,parallel synthesis, biocatalysis and analytical skills.  You will workclosely with a postdoctoral biochemist, who will purify andcharacterise the enzymes, clone and express the genes and construct themetabolically engineered cells for aminoalkane production.   

You will join the School of Chemistry and work in the UK Centre of Excellence for Biocatalysis (see http://www.manchester.ac.uk/biocatalysis),which has excellent facilities for enzymology and biocatalysisresearch. The Centre is located in the new Manchester InterdisciplinaryBiocentre (http://www.mib.ac.uk),a new, state-of-the-art building for research in InterdisciplinaryBioscience, encompassing both chemistry and life sciences. The projectwill be supervised by Dr John Gardiner (see http://www.planetcarbon.com) in collaboration with Drs Gill Stephens (see http://www.ceas.manchester.ac.uk/people/academicstaff/gmstephens/) and Robin Curtis (see http://www.ceas.manchester.ac.uk/people/academicstaff/rcurtis/).

Youshould have a PhD in Chemistry or a related subject.  Applicants withprevious postdoctoral experience are particularly encouraged to applysince an enhanced salary is available for applicants with pre-existingskills in this research area (spine point 6-10 depending on experienceand qualifications).  Experience of chemical synthesis and analyticalchemistry (especially chiral analysis) is essential.  Some experienceof biocatalysis using whole cells and/or isolated enzymes would beuseful, as would experience of parallel synthesis, although trainingcan be provided.  The project will start in January 2006.

Further details can be obtained from Dr John Gardiner, gardiner@manchester.ac.uk;School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Faraday Building,Manchester M60 1QD.  Applications should include a full curriculumvitae, a list of publications, a brief description of researchinterests and the names of three referees. Applications, marked"Confidential - Staff Application", should be returned by 23rd October 2005to EPS Human Resources Office, The University of Manchester, SackvilleStreet Building, Manchester, M60 1QD.  Further particulars areavailable at http://www.manchester.ac.uk/vacancies or Tel: 0161 275 8837; Fax: 0161 306 4037 or email : eps-hr@manchester.ac.uk.

Salary from £21,640 to £25,699 per annum

Quote ref EPS / 248 / 05

Closing date:  23rd October 2005

Reference:
http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/vacancies/postdoc.php