PhD Student (Directed evolution and protein/enzyme engineering)

PhD Student (Directed evolution and protein/enzyme engineering)

A PhD project is available in the group of Prof. Dr. Alexandria (Ali) Deliz Liang in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). Our laboratory works on advanced methods in protein engineering including genetic code expansion. Currently, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on development and application of a novel protein engineering method.

PhD Student (Directed evolution and protein/enzyme engineering)

The successful candidate will

• clone plasmids for protein expression,
• optimize protein expression and purification methods,
• develop assays for screening enzymatic activity (absorbance, fluorescence, HPLC-MS),
• perform high-throughput expression and screening of enzyme variants,
• engineer enzymes using directed evolution, and
• characterize the engineered enzymes.

Although no candidate will be expected to have experience in all the fields above prior to joining, an enthusiasm to learn these techniques is essential.

• A highly motivated student with an MS degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or related field
• Enthusiastic about learning and applying new techniques
• Essential experience: cloning, protein expression and purification, enzyme assays
• Beneficial experience: cell-free protein expression, enzyme assay development, directed evolution, protein engineering
• Excellent communications skills in English (spoken and written) are essential
• Conscientious and inclusive working style

We offer comprehensive training in a highly interdisciplinary laboratory. Students will be provided the opportunity to learn high-value techniques for future careers in academia or industry. Additionally, the laboratory is situated centrally in Zurich (Irchel), which offers a diverse and international environment.

Prof. Dr. Alexandria (Ali) Deliz Liang