PhD Position in Enzyme Engineering: The University of Zurich is inviting applications for a PhD position in the field of enzyme engineering with a focus on genetic code expansion. This promising opportunity is available in the Department of Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Alexandria Deliz Liang. The position involves a diverse range of responsibilities aimed at advancing metalloenzyme engineering through innovative techniques.
PhD Position in Enzyme Engineering with Genetic Code Expansion
Designation
PhD Student in Enzyme Engineering
Research Area
- Enzyme Engineering
- Genetic Code Expansion
- Metalloenzyme Engineering
- Protein Expression and Purification
Location
Institut für Chemie, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | MS degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or related field |
| Experience with protein expression, purification, and activity assays | |
| Strong motivation and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research | |
| Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written) | |
| Conscientious and inclusive working style | |
| Highly Desirable | Experience in chemical synthesis, directed evolution, or enzyme engineering |
| Beneficial Interests | Interests in computation (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics, machine learning) |
Description
The successful candidate will engage in the following responsibilities:
- Experimental Workflow:
- Cloning plasmids for protein expression
- Optimizing protein expression and purification methods
- Developing assays for characterizing enzymatic activity (absorbance, fluorescence, LC-MS)
- Genetic Code Expansion:
- Synthesizing non-canonical amino acids
- Cloning DNA libraries for aaRS/tRNA (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA) engineering
- Selection and screening of functional aaRS/tRNA pairs
- Target Enzyme Engineering:
- Genetic code expansion for semi-rational engineering of target enzyme
- Directed evolution using classical and computational methods
- Characterization of Optimized Enzymes:
- Application of enzyme activity assays
- Conducting crystallography experiments
Additional Duties:
- Serving as a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry courses
- Participating in group meetings, seminars, and completing PhD requirements
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a single PDF document that contains:
- A cover letter detailing previous research and motivation for applying
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- Names of two references who can supply reference letters
Complete the short pre-application questionnaire using the apply button to receive the application link.
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 1, 2025. Early submission is encouraged.
For more detailed information, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexandria Deliz Liang via the provided contact form on the University of Zurich’s website.
