Update: All PDRA posts on the CYBER project are now filled. However, if you are interested in collaborating with the team, setting up an aligned fellowship application, or being involved in future funding applications to continue and expand this project, let us know.
Cyanobacteria Engineering for Restoring Environments (CYBER) is a new UKRI-funded Engineering Biology Mission Award that aims to develop the foundational multidisciplinary tools needed to de-risk environmentally focused engineering biology and ultimately support its future deployment into real-world ecosystems. We want to find ways to make a real positive impact on the environment by combining our growing capabilities in engineering biology and AI with our understanding of ecology and natural environments. The project spans the Universities of Bristol, Newcastle and Edinburgh, with the National Measurement Laboratory (NML), Cultivarium, Basecamp Research, GitLife Biotech, Bactobio and NIST acting as key partners to deliver this vision.
CYBER offers postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) positions across all aspects of the project. Our PDRAs become part of a passionate and highly multidisciplinary team, work collaboratively with renowned engineering biology, AI and ecology researchers, and have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the project, shaping how engineering biology can positively impact our environment.
In addition to the research projects that the PDRAs will be leading, we have also designed a broader CYBER-wide programme of training and opportunities. This includes a ‘PDRA Rotation Programme’, which will allow all five PDRAs to come together in person for a week at each institution to strengthen links between projects and allow for peer learning across the diverse elements of the research. In addition, the PDRAs will have the chance to lead outreach and engagement events and activities after the annual CYBER meetings to connect with local communities and people.
The PDRA roles below have now been filled. They are listed to show the research areas covered by the project. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the project, please contact the investigator named for each role.
PDRA 1: Ecological wind tunnels
Working with Christopher Clements at the University of Bristol, lead the development of ecological wind tunnels that better mimic real-world complexity to assess the safety of our engineered organisms and the ecological interactions affecting their performance. Learn more…
PDRA 2: Genetic tools for cyanobacteria
Working with Thomas Gorochowski at the University of Bristol, help to develop a new generation of genetic tools, parts and devices for cyanobacteria using advanced high-throughput assays that blend large-scale genetic assembly, cell-sorting, and nanopore sequencing. Learn more…
PDRA 3: Data-driven genetic design
Working with Diego Oyarzún at the University of Edinburgh, accelerate our ability to reliably reprogram cyanobacteria by learning from the vast and diverse experimental data sets generated by the CYBER team using advanced AI and machine-learning methodologies. Learn more…
PDRA 4: Cyber-bio security
Working with Natalio Krasnogor at Newcastle University, improve the traceability of engineered cells in natural environments by designing robust genomic barcodes and using spatial sequencing to track cells in complex environments and ensure their long-term trustworthiness.
PDRA 5: Cyanobacteria reprogramming
Working with Yulia Yuzenkova at Newcastle University, genetically insulate engineered elements from the native genome, investigate their spatial expression and intergenerational stability and equip bacteria with inducible buoyancy and magnetic properties to aid their removal.
