Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

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

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We develop technologies to harness whole cell and enzyme catalysts for the manufacturing of substances used in sustainable chemistry, innovative food, and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

For a third-party funded project in the sector of innovative, non-agricultural food, aiming at microbial manufacturing of proteins from reactive gases, we are offering a position for a PostDoc.

Project Background

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

In HydroCow, we are building on a previously developed ultra-high-throughput screening platform that enables the rapid identification of improved industrial production strains. The core of this platform features microcolonies grown in gel capsules, which undergo fluorescence-based analysis for product quantification. This technology will now be adapted for the secretion of recombinantly synthesized proteins for the first time.

Job Description

The postdoctoral fellow will undertake the following responsibilities:

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

Profile

• PhD in molecular biology, microbiology or industrial biotechnology
• Strong communication (in English) and teamwork skills
• Preferred qualifications include all or a subset of the following:
  • A solid background in chemistry and spectrometric analyses
  • Development of protocols from scratch (as opposed to implementing commercial kits)
  • Experience working under atmosphere control (e.g., glove boxes)

Workplace

The workplace will be situated in an academically stimulating environment that promotes innovation and collaboration.

We Offer

• An intellectually challenging position within an inspiring interdisciplinary team
• Engaging and applied work in a larger international team with both academic and industrial partners
• Opportunities to develop technologies and protocols with potential commercial applications
• Enhancement of personal skills including writing, presentation, and project management
• Possibilities to work with and supervise students
• Participation in international conferences and project workshops

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we champion an inclusive culture. We are committed to equality of opportunity, value diversity, and foster a working environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is core to our values, and we are continually working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For additional information about the BPL and D-BSSE, please visit our website. Should you have any questions regarding the position, feel free to reach out via email to Martin.Held@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for our excellent education and cutting-edge research, we are dedicated to transferring new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find ETH Zurich to be a stimulating place that fosters independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.