PhD Student Position (Enzymology and enzyme engineering)

The University of Zurich seeks a part-time PhD student for an interdisciplinary role in enzymology and enzyme engineering, focusing on experimental and computational analysis of enzyme variants.

This position involves an interdisciplinary research project within the chemistry graduate school program. The successful candidate will combine mechanistic enzymology with computational methods to understand how mutations affect catalysis, requiring the ability to quickly master a variety of laboratory and analytical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform cloning, expression, purification, and activity characterization of target enzymes.
• Synthesize substrates and assay probes chemically.
• Develop assays to screen for enzymatic activity.
• Construct DNA libraries and conduct high-throughput screening.
• Analyze variant data using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and computational tools.
• Write Python scripts to support data analysis tasks.
• Characterize key enzyme variants to determine their properties.
• Serve as a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry courses.
• Participate in group meetings and departmental seminars.
• Manage group responsibilities, including equipment maintenance and organizational tasks.
• Complete all requirements for the chemistry graduate school PhD program.

Requirements

• Hold an MS degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Demonstrate experience with cloning, protein expression, and purification.
• Have background experience in chemical synthesis.
• Show willingness and ability to learn Python scripting.
• Design rigorous experiments, including appropriate controls.
• Maintain high scientific integrity.
• Plan work proactively.
• Integrate feedback efficiently.
• Work effectively in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• Be enthusiastic about learning and applying new techniques.
• Possess excellent spoken and written English communication skills.
• Demonstrate a conscientious and inclusive working style.
• Contribute positively to a supportive working environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with enzyme assay development.
• Background in protein engineering.
• Comfort with light scripting for data analysis.

What the company offers

• Access to a wide range of attractive employee benefits.

About the company

The University of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland, employing approximately 10,000 staff members. It provides an inspiring working environment centered on cutting-edge research and top-class education.

• Part of Switzerland's largest university.
• Focus on cutting-edge research.
• Commitment to top-class education.
• Inspiring working environment.