Polymeric nanocomplex delivery of CRISPR to plant and fungal cells

About the project:

This nanobiotechnology project aims to develop efficient nanoparticle biomolecule delivery systems for plant and fungal cells.

Contemporary precision breeding techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas, are increasingly improving the efficiency and scope of plant and fungal research and breeding. Before technologies like CRISPR/Cas can live up to its promise, however, several significant bottlenecks need to be overcome. We have developed nanoparticle delivery systems for CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes into various plant and fungal cell types. Nanocomplexes are able to bypass some of the longstanding limitations on plant and fungal biotechnology.

 The project:

We are a collaboration between a polymer chemistry group and a plant molecular biology group. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated team members. You will improve the efficiency and applicability of precision gene editing in plants by developing and testing novel CRISPR/polymer nanocomplexes. Working with both groups, you will design and synthesise polymers for incorporation into nanocomplexes for CRISPR delivery to plant somatic and reproductive cells. The project will also include the use of molecular biology and confocal and TEM microscopy.

You should be a motivated individual with a strong interest in plants and/or polymer chemistry who is keen to develop skills in nanobiotechnology and who is open to working with a team to develop high impact novel technologies.

Who we are:

We are a collaborative team of polymer chemists and plant molecular geneticists that have the common goal of developing novel nanoparticle delivery systems for plants and fungi. We are multicultural group that values scientific rigour, team support, career development and a healthy work-life balance.

If this sounds like it could be you, don’t hesitate to contact us (brian.jones@sydney.edu.au or markus.muellner@sydney.edu.au) to discuss an application.