PhD Student / PhD Student (female)

PhD Student Position in Development of Protocols for Isolation of Microbial Strains for Sustainable Protein Production

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We are at the forefront of developing technologies that harness whole cell and enzyme catalysts for the manufacturing of innovative substances across various sectors, including sustainable chemistry, cutting-edge food solutions, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

For a third-party funded project focusing on the microbial manufacturing of proteins from reactive gases, we are offering an exciting PhD student position.

Project Background

This project is part of the EC-sponsored consortium HydroCow, which includes partners from the UK, Germany, and Finland, and encompasses expertise in metabolic flux modeling, molecular engineering, manufacturing, and marketing.

In HydroCow, we will leverage an ultra-high-throughput screening platform previously developed to rapidly identify improved industrial production strains. Central to this platform are microcolonies cultivated in gel capsules, which undergo fluorescence-based analysis for the quantification of the product of interest. This innovative technology will be applied for the first time to the secretion of recombinantly synthesized proteins.

Job Description

The PhD student will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Development of high-throughput assays, typically based on fluorescence mediated by biosensors or (bio)chemicals
• Characterization of assay performance using lead strains
• Execution of large-scale screening campaigns involving up to 1E6 variant strains
• Co-representation and reporting of BPL results in consortium meetings
• Co-coordination of tasks with all consortium partners

Profile

• Master's degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or industrial biotechnology
• Strong communication skills in English and ability to work effectively in a team
• Additional qualifications include any of the following:
• A solid background in chemistry and spectrometric analyses
• Ability to develop protocols from scratch (rather than using commercial kits)
• Experience working in controlled atmospheres (e.g., glove boxes)
• Availability to start employment promptly is advantageous

Workplace

Join us in a dynamic and collaborative environment that fosters innovation and research excellence.

We Offer

We provide:

• An intellectually stimulating position within an interdisciplinary team
• Challenging, hands-on work in an international setting, collaborating with academia and industry
• Opportunities to develop technologies and protocols with commercial applications
• Support for enhancing personal skills such as writing, presentation, and project management
• Possibility to engage with and supervise students
• Participation in international conferences and project workshops

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Aligned with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We uphold equality of opportunity, celebrate diversity, and maintain a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. To learn how we foster a fair and open atmosphere where everyone can thrive, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability remains central to our mission, and we are committed to advancing towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We!

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please ensure you submit the following documents:

• Letter (maximum 1 A4) detailing your background, interest, and motivation
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certificates (including transcripts for your Master's degree)
• Two reference letters

For more information about BPL and D-BSSE, please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Martin.Held@bsse.ethz.ch (applications should not be sent via email).

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are recognized for our outstanding education, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct application of new knowledge for societal benefit. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries choose ETH Zurich as their home for independent thought and excellence. Nestled in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.