PhD Position in Synthetic Biology/Applied Microbiology

ETH Zurich

PhD Position in Synthetic Biology/Applied Microbiology

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We, the ETH Zurich Bioprocess Laboratory (Prof. Sven Panke), are a multinational (currently 8 different nationalities) and interdisciplinary (microfluidics, genetic and enzyme engineering, bioprocesses) group located at the Basel campus of ETH Zurich and part of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D‐BSSE) (Bioprocess Laboratory, LinkedIn).

Biotechnology moves increasingly beyond the standard building blocks of today’s biological realm. Important examples are the use of novel (“non-canonical”) amino acids as building blocks in proteins, or of non-canonical nucleotides for DNA and RNA. Applications include the functionalization of peptides and proteins for pharma, chemical and materials applications or the development of novel vaccines (including, for example, the anti-COVID RNA vaccines of the past pandemic). Despite the great successes of recent years in building non-canonical macromolecules, many fundamental questions remain open. For example, the simple question of how non-canonical building blocks for exciting macromolecules can cross a highly selective cell membrane so they can be used in the cell, remains unanswered.  We have in the past made large strides towards solving this problem at a fundamental level (Künzl et al., Metabolic Engineering 39:60, DOI 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.10.016, and Rodriguez-Robles, Metabolic Engineering 85:26, DOI 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.05.005), and we are now on the verge of deploying our systems to new applications.

Job description

You will be responsible for developing previous work by eliminating a number of bottlenecks in the bacterial import process, optimizing the system for high performance, and then applying it to problems around therapeutic peptides and proteins.

The focus of the work is experimental and will include a broad variety of molecular methods (molecular biology, adaptive laboratory evolution, library design and directed evolution, protein structure/function relationships, next-generation sequencing), as well as computational analysis (bioinformatics, data handling and AI-supported analysis and engineering).

The work is embedded in a network of groups in Xenobiology located in France, Germany, and Belgium.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The earliest starting date is October 1st.

Profile

We are looking for a committed and responsible candidate with a master’s degree (or comparable) in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology or a related field. Candidates should be fluent in English, enthusiastic for experimental work - a flair for computational work and chemistry will be considered an asset. We value curiosity, flexibility, and participating in a mutually supportive and inclusive team.

Workplace

We offer

  • Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
  • We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
  • You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
  • We offer a supportive environment in a well-functioning team, excellent training in state-of-the-art synthetic biology, microbiology, and enzyme and genetic engineering.
  • You will learn how to shape and drive your scientific project and how to communicate about it while having access to the cutting-edge facilities of the D-BSSE and experiencing the busy life of a buzzing international department in the heart of Basel, Europe's life science capital (Twitter).

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We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

  • CV
  • Academic transcripts
  • Cover letter, including motivation and the earliest start date
  • Written references from previous supervisors (optional, encouraged)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about D-BSSE can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to [Dr. Tania Roberts], email [tania.roberts@bsse.ethz.ch] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
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