XenoImport – Towards expanding natural metabolism

The Bioprocess Laboratory (BPL, Prof. Sven Panke) of the ETH Zurich is offering PhD positions in the fields of Synthetic Biology and expanding natural metabolism starting July 2018 at the earliest. The goal of the research project is the development of a generic platform to transport novel, non-natural compounds into the interior of model bacteria (Escherichia coli). Effective access of such “xenobiotics” is the indispensable prerequisite for novel and exciting efforts to introduce novel amino acids into proteins, novel nucleotides into genetic polymers (DNA), or novel vitamins into enzymes (Jeschek et al, 2016). The work will encompass a variety of advanced methods at the interface of directed evolution, biochemistry, and microfluidics.
We offer a highly creative and international working environment at ETH Zürich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) in Basel, Switzerland. The BPL has an internationally recognized track record of scientific excellence in the fields of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and high-throughput screening. The successful applicant will benefit from a detailed practical and theoretical on-the-job training, individual scientific mentoring as well as the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the BPL and the D-BSSE.
We are looking for a highly motivated student with hands-on experience in synthetic biology, molecular biotechnology or related fields. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and should have a record of research projects conducted during or after their previous studies. Very good written and spoken English is essential.
If you are interested please send your application (one pdf file including cover letter, CV, transcripts, coordinates of at least two references, etc.) to Prof. Sven Panke ([Email Address Removed]).
For further information on our group please visit: https://www.bsse.ethz.ch/bpl