PhD Biocatalysis 100 % | ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften

PhD Biocatalysis 100 %

The successful candidate will be part of our effort to harness enzyme engineering for the development of next-generation biocatalysts.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management

Starting date: 01.09.2024 or per arrangement

The “Competence Center for Biocatalysis", led by Prof. Rebecca Buller, uses bioinformatics and directed evolution to generate new enzyme function for challenging chemical reactions, including C-X bond forming reactions. Our aim is to discover, develop, understand and apply new biocatalysts for synthetic chemistry and develop new tools to accelerate the enzyme development process. The research is very interdisciplinary and combines methods from organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics and analytical chemistry. In a highly motivated and international research team, we offer training in all relevant methods (e.g. bioinformatics, protein biochemistry and molecular biology) and the opportunity to work on current projects with state-of-the-art equipment. Ultimately, the research aims to develop practical catalysts for the efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of added-value molecules.

Candidates should possess:

• a master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biotechnology
• a strong grasp of fundamental concepts in organic chemistry
• fluent spoken and written English

Experience in the following topics is beneficial:

• site-directed mutagenesis and cloning; protein expression/purification
• enzyme engineering/evolution
• analytical chemistry (HPLC-MS, GC-MS)
• protein bioinformatics; computational (bio)chemistry

At this career stage it is unlikely that any candidate has all these capabilities and thus it is essential that candidates are enthusiastic to learn new skills during the PhD. Therefore, preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated ability and passion for learning new wet-lab or dry-lab skills.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Life Sciences and Facility Management: Study and research in Wädenswil: practical, creative, passionate and reflective. Our expertise in life sciences and facility management in the areas of the environment, food and health enables us to make a vital contribution to solving social challenges and improving quality of life.

The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology (ICBT) is one of the scientific institutes at the ZHAW. It conducts applied research on cutting-edge topics relating to health, chemistry, biotechnology and the environment - from antibiotic resistance and antiviral agents to microplastics and more sustainable chemical processes. The institute trains young people for the growing life sciences market in three bachelor's programmes and two master's courses.

Competence Center for Biocatalysis

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Rebecca Buller

Head of Competence Center for Biocatalysis

Manuela Laure

Recruiting Manager