[Position Overview]
The Water and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory (WEB Lab) at Chonnam National University (CNU, Gwangju, South Korea) invites applications for up to two postdoctoral researchers, one per track (the number of appointments depends on available funding). The WEB Lab specializes in autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-mediated quorum sensing (QS) and quorum quenching (QQ), particularly for membrane biofouling control in membrane bioreactor (MBR) processes. Building on this expertise, we are expanding into the structural characterization of novel AI-2 QQ substances (Track A) and engineered microorganisms for advanced industrial wastewater treatment (Track B).
[Research Tracks]
Track A: AI-2 Quorum Quenching Substances
The researcher will isolate, characterize, and determine the structures of novel substances that interfere with AI-2-mediated QS for membrane biofouling control. Note: The target substances are presumed to be highly hydrophilic, heat-stable compounds below ~3,000 Da.
• Purify active substances using HPLC and preparative LC.
• Determine molecular structures using LC-MS, NMR, and related techniques.
• Characterize activity, physicochemical properties, and structure-activity relationships.
Preferred expertise: Natural products or analytical chemistry; hands-on experience with HPLC, prep-LC, LC-MS, and NMR.
Track B: Engineered Microorganisms for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
The researcher will develop engineered microorganisms for complex industrial wastewater, with emphasis on effluents from semiconductor, display, and rechargeable-battery industries.
• Develop high-efficiency microorganisms capable of transforming or degrading tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
• Apply synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and genome-editing tools, including CRISPR/Cas systems.
• Evaluate engineered strains under lab- or pilot-scale wastewater treatment conditions.
• Note: Prior experience with wastewater treatment or MBR operation is not required; training will be provided.
Preferred expertise: Microbial metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, genetic circuit design, or microbial genome editing.
[Qualifications]
• Ph.D. (completed or expected by the start date) in a field relevant to the selected track, such as microbiology, synthetic biology, natural products chemistry, analytical chemistry, bioengineering, or environmental biotechnology.
• Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively.
• Research and publication record appropriate to career stage.
[Appointment and Salary]
Each appointment is initially for one year from March 2027, with possible extension based on performance and funding. Salary follows Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Chonnam National University (CNU IACF) regulations and is competitive with national standards for postdoctoral researchers in Korea; details available upon inquiry.
[How to Apply]
Submit the following documents as a single PDF file:
• Research statement (1-2 pages) describing relevant experience, preferred track, research fit, and potential contributions
• Curriculum vitae including photo (optional), education, professional experience, complete publication list, relevant technical skills, and contact information for at least two references
Email: kibaek@jnu.ac.kr
Subject: Application for Postdoctoral Researcher: Track A (or Track B)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Learn more about WEB Lab: https://water-environbiotech.wixsite.com/weblab