Sugarcane as “green biofactories”: metabolic engineering of high-value aromatic compounds

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Igor Cesarino (IB/USP)
Institution: LigninLab, Department of Botany, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo Project associated with the FAPESP Young Award Grant Phase 2 (n° 2021/06142-8)
Project title - Sugarcane as “green biofactories”: metabolic engineering of high-value aromatic compounds
Application deadline: 25/02/2024 - 15/04/2024
Starting date: 01/05/2024
Location: Rua do Matão, 277 - Cidade Universitária, CEP05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Summary

Most (bio)chemical compounds used for industrial applications are chemically synthesized from fossil resources upon petroleum refining, given that methods using biological production platforms are mostly inefficient. However, metabolic engineering holds promise to overcome this problem and may be used to increase the value of plant biomass. This project aims to perform the metabolic engineering of two aromatic compounds in sugarcane to boost the status of this species as a “multipurpose” crop. The target compounds were chosen because they represent high-value compounds and because their metabolic engineering will potentially affect lignin deposition (and consequently facilitate biomass processing). Sugarcane genetic transformation with the appropriate constructions has already been performed and this postdoctoral project aims to characterize/phenotype the transgenic lines using a comprehensive approach, which includes anatomical/structural analyzes, secondary cell wall characterization, phenolic profiling and saccharification assays. This is a “proof-of-concept” project to demonstrate the potential of sugarcane metabolic engineering to generate “green biofactories” for the production of key products for the bioeconomy.

Candidate Profile

- PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or equivalent, obtanied in up to 5 years.
- Independent, proactive researcher who should work well in a team.

- Experience in plant biochemistry and plant molecular biology, as well as in statistical analyses. - Expertise in cell wall characterization is desirable, but not mandatory.
- Excellent communication skills in English (including scientific writing).

Salary

This is a 2-year (24 months) postdoc position, with a salary of R$ 9,047.40 per month (around US$ 2,000.00) with extra bench fee equivalent to 10% of the annual salary amount, which can be used to cover expenses directly related to the research activity.

Documents required for the application:

a) Curriculum Vitae;
b) A 1-page motivation letter expressing interest in and suitability for the Project; c) Contact information of 2-3 referees.

Send the documentation to Igor Cesarino (icesarino@usp.br) between 10/04/2024 and 01/05/2024.