PhD in Synthetic Cell Energetics & Metabolism

CAS in Medication Safety University of Bern; Bern; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured doctoral training

Collaborative environment

Strong research infrastructure

International network

Job summary

The University of Bern invites applications for a PhD position in Bottom-up Bioenergetics and Cell Metabolism in Bern. The project focuses on coupling energy and cofactor regeneration modules to cell-like metabolic pathways, including cell-free protein synthesis, and encapsulating reaction networks in giant unilamellar vesicles for cell-like systems.

The position is a 100% fixed-term contract within a SNSF project jointly awarded to the von Ballmoos group and the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH

Qualifications

• MSc in a related field is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with protein purification and/or membrane proteins is beneficial.
• Interest in quantitative biochemistry, bioenergetics and synthetic biology is important.

Responsibilities

• Establish and characterise ATP- and NAD(P)H-dependent reaction networks and couple them to metabolic and biosynthetic processes.
• Purify and reconstitute membrane proteins into liposomes and GUVs.
• Characterise kinetics, stability and energetic efficiency with spectroscopic methods and fluorescence microscopy, supported by modelling.
• Collaborate with ETH Zürich/Stavrakis/deMello group on microfluidic vesicle production and apply these techniques at the University of Bern.

Skills

Protein purification

Membrane proteins

Cell-free systems

Fluorescence microscopy

Kinetic modelling

Quantitative biochemistry

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology or a related field

Job description

The University of Bern invites applications for a PhD position in Bottom-up Bioenergetics and Cell Metabolism in Bern. The project focuses on coupling energy and cofactor regeneration modules to cell-like metabolic pathways, including cell-free protein synthesis, and encapsulating reaction networks in giant unilamellar vesicles for cell-like systems.

The position is a 100% fixed-term contract within a SNSF project jointly awarded to the von Ballmoos group and the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH