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Development of novel synthetic transcriptional terminators
Sequence-function relationship is a central question in biology. We recently developed an experimental method that allows us to interrogate sequence and function for extremely large numbers of genetic variants. This 6 month Master Project aims at developing a new toolkit for synthetic biology.
Biological parts like promoters, terminators and other regulatory elements are of major importance in synthetic biology. However, their design principles and functions are not well understood. In our lab, we have recently developed a broadly applicable experimental platform that allows us to characterize expression behavior of extremely large genetic variant libraries at a minimized experimental effort relying solely on next-generation sequencing as read-out. We would like to extend the scope of this method to facilitate an improved understanding of the characteristics and design principles of transcriptional termination.
**Experimental work** (including, but not limited to)
- Cloning of genetic constructs for terminator assessment in _Escherichia coli_
- State-of-the-art library generation methods for terminator diversification
- Characterization of libraries by fluorescent measurements (plate reader, flow cytometry)
- Characterization of libraries by next generation sequencing
- Optional: development of computational tools for data analysis and predictive models
Biological parts like promoters, terminators and other regulatory elements are of major importance in synthetic biology. However, their design principles and functions are not well understood. In our lab, we have recently developed a broadly applicable experimental platform that allows us to characterize expression behavior of extremely large genetic variant libraries at a minimized experimental effort relying solely on next-generation sequencing as read-out. We would like to extend the scope of this method to facilitate an improved understanding of the characteristics and design principles of transcriptional termination.
**Experimental work** (including, but not limited to) - Cloning of genetic constructs for terminator assessment in _Escherichia coli_ - State-of-the-art library generation methods for terminator diversification - Characterization of libraries by fluorescent measurements (plate reader, flow cytometry) - Characterization of libraries by next generation sequencing - Optional: development of computational tools for data analysis and predictive models
In this project, a novel genetic construct will be developed and used in Escherichia coli to establish an ultrahigh-throughput method for terminator characterization. Subsequently, a huge library of different variants will be designed and tested with our method. The resulting data will be used to establish a model for the prediction of transcriptional termination efficiency and directionality. By developing new parts we will ultimately enable tailored design of synthetic parts with improved and tunable functionality.
**We are looking for** a highly motivated student with a background in experimental synthetic biology (preferably with _E. coli_ experience). Basic experience in cloning techniques, fluorescent measurements (micro titer plate assays, flow cytometry), or NGS would be advantageous.
**We offer** a hands-on introduction into state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques, access to the facilities at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zürich, located in Basel, and you will be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary and international community at the D-BSSE.
In this project, a novel genetic construct will be developed and used in Escherichia coli to establish an ultrahigh-throughput method for terminator characterization. Subsequently, a huge library of different variants will be designed and tested with our method. The resulting data will be used to establish a model for the prediction of transcriptional termination efficiency and directionality. By developing new parts we will ultimately enable tailored design of synthetic parts with improved and tunable functionality.
**We are looking for** a highly motivated student with a background in experimental synthetic biology (preferably with _E. coli_ experience). Basic experience in cloning techniques, fluorescent measurements (micro titer plate assays, flow cytometry), or NGS would be advantageous.
**We offer** a hands-on introduction into state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques, access to the facilities at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zürich, located in Basel, and you will be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary and international community at the D-BSSE.
If you are interested, please send an e-mail with a short description of your laboratory experience and your CV to Simon Höllerer (simon.hoellerer@bsse.ethz.ch).
If you are interested, please send an e-mail with a short description of your laboratory experience and your CV to Simon Höllerer (simon.hoellerer@bsse.ethz.ch).