Using non-coding RNAs to improve protein expression for biotechnology

Biopharmaceuticals, proteins produced using cultured cells, are used as vaccines and medicines to treat disorders including diabetes and cancers. About 20% of biopharmaceuticals are currently produced using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and this proportion is likely to rise due to intensive research into control of gene regulation in yeast. Even a small improvement in the amount of protein produced has significant cost savings for biotechnological applications. The goal of this project is to investigate methods for modulating protein yields using newly-discovered non-coding RNAs.

Non-coding RNAs are transcripts that are not translated into proteins. Many of these have been very recently discovered and their roles are poorly understood although they often regulate levels of protein coding transcripts by affecting the local chromatin environment. Our research has revealed that many strong yeast promoters that are used for biotechnological applications are naturally associated with non-coding RNAs. This project will investigate the effects that non-coding RNAs have on transcription and the chromatin environment. The successful candidate will gain expertise in cutting-edge techniques used to measure and manipulate transcription and in optimizing expression systems for biotechnological applications.

The successful candidate will be trained in a wide-range of research techniques including yeast molecular genetics, CRISPR, RT-PCR, qPCR, ChIP and other molecular biological assays.

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in biological sciences such as molecular biology, genetics or biotechnology. A Masters qualification in a similar area would be a significant advantage.