The department of Bioproducts and Biosystems offers

a Master thesis project in metabolic engineering of Methanosarcina acetivorans for renewable biogas production.

Description:
The methanogen, Methanosarcina acetivorans can naturally use methanol, methylated substrates (e.g. methylamine, trimethylamine, etc) and acetate as carbon sources. This project aims to endow M. acetivorans the ability to use other carbon sources as growth substrates via metabolic pathway engineering. Combined with the outstanding methane production ability of M. acetivorans and its natural high tolerance to environmental stresses, the result of this project has a high potential of industrial application especially in wastewater treatment.

What you will gain?
You have the opportunity to use the cutting edge technique CRISPR to perform genetic engineering on M. acetivorans. You will learn more molecular cloning techniques which you do not learn from classes. You will play with the central metabolism of M. acetivorans.

These above mentioned points will make you be a very competent applicant when you are looking for PhD student position in the future.

Who we are looking for?

1.       You are an ambitious and hard-working student.

2.       You are passionate about science, and enjoy the outcome of your research work.

3.       You are good at molecular cloning.

How to apply
The application should include the following:

• Cover letter (start as follows: “I am interested in this position because… “)
• CV

• Transcript of course records with grades

• Names and contact details of references

This is a six-month paid master thesis project. Most experiments will be performed in the research group of Professor Silvan Scheller. The master project will be supervised by postdoctoral researcher Jichen Bao. The project will start according to agreement with the student.

For additional scientific information, please contact Jichen Bao ([email protected]) or Prof. Silvan Scheller ([email protected]), in matters related to the recruitment process: HR Coordinator Sanni Mero ([email protected]).

All materials should be provided in English through the online recruitment system (link below).

The call is open until August 31^st, but the position might be filled before the deadline. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.