PhD position: From the Origin of Life to New Materials – Nanopore Detection of Nanocluster Heterogeneity with Single-Molecule Resolution (P2604)
100% position for 4 years, earliest starting date: 1 January 2027
For the prestigious PhD School of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI), we solicit applications for a paid 4-year PhD student position jointly supervised by Prof. Sonja Schmid (biophysical chemistry) and Prof. Florian P. Seebeck (bioinorganic chemistry). We seek a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate with a strong background in (bio-)chemistry, nanoscience, or related fields to join our team in developing cutting-edge protein nanopore technology for single-molecule analysis of metal nanoclusters.
Molecular heterogeneity is a fundamental feature of chemistry, biology and material science, yet characterizing complex mixtures remains one of the great analytical challenges,
because current methods are limited to ensemble averaging.
In this project, you will develop protein nanopore approaches to detect and classify individual nanoclusters with single-molecule resolution, enabling fundamentally new insights into the functional roles of heterogeneity in prebiotic life as well as novel materials.
Your position
You will work on the development of a nanopore-based platform for single-molecule analysis of nanoclusters. Your research will include:• Establishing nanopore assays for detecting and characterizing individual nanoclusters
• Engineering and purify protein nanopores with tailored sensitivity to size, charge, and etc.
• Developing data analysis pipelines and machine learning approaches for signal classification
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, molecular life scientists.
• Present your findings at conferences and in scientific publications.
Your profile
We are looking for a motivated and talented candidate with:• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, nanoscience, physics, or a related field
• Previous knowledge about nanopore experiments, protein purification, and/or machine learning is a clear plus.
• Experience in data analysis and coding (preferably Python)
• A systematic, independent working style and ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills in English in speaking and writing.
We offer you
An exciting and fully funded PhD position at the University of Basel• Training in cutting-edge single-molecule and nanopore technologies
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure in two complementary groups
• A highly international and interdisciplinary setting stimulating your pro-fessional and personal development. We welcome friendly and ambi-tious humans from all walks of life.
• Opportunities for international conferences and high-impact publications
• A beautiful and very livable city at the intersection of D, F, CH.
More information and the online application platform can be found at www.phd.nanoscience.ch. For questions, please contact the head of the SNI PhD programme, Dr. Andreas Baumgartner (andreas.baumgartner@unibas.ch), or directly the project leaders. The application has to be completed before 31 December 2026. Please note that the vacancy can be filled any time from now.
