PhD Student Position (Enzyme engineering with genetic code expansion)
Join to apply for the PhD Student Position (Enzyme engineering with genetic code expansion) role at Universität Zürich
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. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on metalloenzyme engineering with genetic code expansion.
Your Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake responsibilities aligned with the experimental workflow below, alongside other PhD program duties:
Expression, Purification, and Activity Characterization of Target Enzyme
* Cloning plasmids for protein expression
* Optimizing protein expression and purification methods
* Developing assays for enzymatic activity characterization (absorbance, fluorescence, LC-MS)
Genetic Code Expansion
* Synthesizing non-canonical amino acids
* Cloning DNA libraries for aaRS/tRNA (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA) engineering
* Selection and screening of functional aaRS/tRNA pairs
Target Enzyme Engineering
* Applying genetic code expansion for semi-rational enzyme engineering
* Performing directed evolution using classical and computational methods
Characterization of Optimized Enzymes
* Applying enzyme activity assays
* Crystallography
Academic and Organizational Duties
* Serving as a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry courses
* Participating in group meetings, departmental seminars, and a student chembio seminar series
* Fulfilling group responsibilities (equipment and organizational duties)
* Completing PhD requirements for the chemistry graduate program
Note: Prior experience in all fields is not expected; enthusiasm to learn is essential.
Your Profile
Essential:
* MS degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or related field
* Experience with protein expression, purification, and activity assays
* Enthusiasm for learning and applying new techniques
* Interest in interdisciplinary research
* Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
* Conscientious and inclusive working style
Highly desirable:
* Experience in chemical synthesis
* Experience in directed evolution
* Experience in enzyme engineering
Beneficial Interests
* Computational skills (e.g., DFT, MD, ML)
We offer comprehensive training in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment in Zurich, with opportunities to learn high-value techniques for future careers. The lab is located centrally in Zurich (Irchel), offering a diverse and international environment.
Application Information
Applicants should prepare a single PDF including: i) a cover letter, ii) a detailed CV, iii) two reference contacts. Complete the pre-application questionnaire via the apply button for the application link. Review is ongoing until 01 September 2025; early submission is encouraged.
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