Displaying items by tag: Postgraduate

The Institute for Microbial  Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Our research employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge  ”omics”  strategies to study microbiomes and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites.  The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel,  high - value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food and beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

MSc and PhD POSITIONS AVAILABLE 1. Expression and characterization of an endolysin from a novel Paenibacillus larvae phage, and its assessment as a phage therapy against AFB disease which affects the Western Cape honeybee, in collaboration with the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. 2. Genome sequence analysis of a marine isolates that produce potent activity against the ESKAPE pathogens, in collaboration with academic and industry partners. 3. Characterisation of anti-cancer activity produced by a marine isolate: a genomic and chemical approach, in collaboration with MEDINA (Spain). 4. The investigation of bacteriophages associated with Chryseobacterium and their potential in combating food spoilage. Novel enzymes and compounds produced by Chryseobacterium will also be investigated. Minimum requirements: BSc Hons, MSc, or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum average score of 60% and a major in either Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Genetics. Only South African citizens can be considered. Additional requirements: Experience and skill in molecular biology techniques; responsibility, reliability, good problem solving, time management, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy are absolute requirements.

Application Submission: Applicants are to submit their CV and covering letter to Prof Marla Trindade:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 9 January 2019.

The Institute for Microbial  Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Our research employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge  ”omics”  strategies to study microbiomes and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites.  The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel,  high - value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food and beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

TWO POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE: 1. As part of 2 EU-funded consortia (PharmaSea and Ocean Medicines), this project focuses on marine bacteria shown to produce anti-convulsant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory activities. Through genome sequencing and genetic engineering strategies in parallel with chemistry-guided isolation, we aim to: i) link novel metabolites to the biosynthetic pathways encoding them, and ii) develop over-expression strains for target pathways and compounds. 2. We are developing a portfolio of biosurfactants for use in a variety of industrial processes. The project involves the isolation and characterisation (chemical, structural and performance) of novel biosurfactants, as well as the upscaling of biosurfactant production. Minimum Criteria: Applicants must have completed a PhD degree within no more than 5 years in a foundational discipline relevant to the topic. Experience in natural product discovery and genomics is an advantage. Applicants should have a strong publication record, interpersonal skills, project management experience, and be able to effectively conduct research as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Application Submission: The candidate will be under the supervision of Prof. Marla Trindade who holds a DST/NRF Research Chair in Microbial Genomics. Applicants are to submit their CV and covering letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 9 January 2019.

From 1 April 2018

The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The Institute is a global competitor in microbial biotechnology and metagenomics and is committed to excellence in research and the training of future research leaders. Its research encompasses a number of disciplines including microbiology, (meta)genomics, molecular biology, enzymology and bioinformatics, and employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge ”omics” strategies to study microbiomes, and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites. The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel, high-value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food & beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

Post-graduate position available at IMBM from 1 May 2017.

The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The Institute is a global competitor in microbial biotechnology and metagenomics, and is committed to excellence in research and in the training of future research leaders. Its research encompasses a number of disciplines including microbiology, (meta)genomics, molecular biology, enzymology and bioinformatics, and employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge ”omics” strategies to study microbiomes, and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites. The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel, high-value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food & beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

Announcing an available 'sandwich' PhD opportunity between UWC and the University of Wageningen, Netherlands. Interested candidates must apply to Prof. Marla Trindade by 17 April 2015: e-mail - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Tel: +27 21 959 9725. Please note that only South African citizens are eligible. Further information about the sandwich program click here.