Doctoral position (100%) in Natural Product Biosynthesis & Bioengineering

Your position

Positions for PhD students are available in the research group of Prof. Robin Teufel that focusses on the elucidation of natural product biosynthetic pathways and the underlying enzymology. You will be exploring the biosynthesis of bacterial aromatic polyketide natural products with antibiotic and anticancer properties and characterize the involved enzymes, which will furthermore be engineered to produce natural product derivatives as potential lead compounds in cooperation with project partners focusing on the synthetic approaches of these compounds. Insights regarding the complex catalytic mechanisms of the involved key biosynthetic enzymes are expected to also contribute to our basic understanding of natural product structural diversification. The place of work is at the Pharmacenter in Basel. Fluency in English (C2 level) is required.

Your profile

We are looking for candidates with a master's degree in a field related to pharmaceutical biology, (bio)chemistry, enzymology, structural biology, or microbiology.  Experience and interest in natural product research and enzymology are required. Knowledge in molecular biology, structural biology / X-ray crystallography, protein design, natural product analysis (LCMS, NMR etc.), microbial genetics, and/or bioinformatics are advantageous. As a doctoral researcher, you will furthermore assist master students and be involved in teaching activities.

We offer you

The candidates will join a dynamic multidisciplinary research group of pharmacists, chemists and biologists working on the isolation / characterization of natural products and the underlying biosynthesis in one of the world's hubs for pharmaceutical research. Enjoy the vibrant scientific community at the University of Basel with great possibilities for internal and external collaborations as well as state-of-the-art instrumentation and infrastructure both in-house and close-by. As part of our team, you will receive supportive mentoring, a generous salary and enjoy the high quality of live in Switzerland during your PhD thesis.