Genomic diversity and bioethanol production using the yeast Pichia stipitis

A funded PhD position is available to analyse genome plasticity in the yeast Pichia stipitis.

Biofuels have become important because of the depletion of fossil fuel energy sources. Lignocelluloses are generated in large concentration as waste following agricultural, and forestry processing operations. Lignocellulose is a heteropolymer composed of pentose sugars (such as xylose) and hexose sugars (such as glucose). Due to its high sugar content lignocellulose is an ideal substrate for bioethanol production. However, whereas the traditional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can efficiently ferment hexose sugars, it cannot ferment pentose sugars such as xylose. Given that xylose constitutes 10-40% of the total carbohydrate found in lignocellulose, the bioethanol yield could be increased by 25% through the use of an efficient xylose-fermenting. Pichia stipitis is a yeast closely related to Candida albicans and it has the highest capacity for xylose fermentation of any known microorganism. Different P. stipitis isolates vary in their ability to ferment ethanol but the genetic basis underlying this improved ethanol production is largely unknown. Therefore, very little is known of Pichia stipitis genomic diversity and its contribution to ethanol production. In this project, the PhD student will investigate whether and how genomic plasticity contribute to Pichia stipitis biology. The project will provide advanced training in the techniques involved in analysing genome structure and function as well as bioethanol production.

This cross-disciplinary research project requires expertise in genome structure and dynamics, bio-ethanol production and Pichia Stipitis biology. The successful candidate will be based at the University of Kent’s main campus in Canterbury, and work under the supervision of Dr Alessia Buscaino (http://www.kentfungalgroup.com/dr-alessia-buscaino) and of Dr Tom Clarke (University of East Anglia). This PhD Studentship is due to start in September 2017.

Entry requirements: Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in Genetics, Molecular Biology or a related subject.

For further information please contact Dr Alessia Buscaino at [Email Address Removed]

Deadline Date for Applications: 20/04/2017
Interviews will take place in week commencing: 01/05/2017