PhD Position in Bottom-up Bioenergetics and Cell Metabolism

About the role

The von Ballmoos group at the University of Bern is looking for a PhD student to join a four-year SNSF project jointly awarded to the von Ballmoos group and the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH Zurich. The project develops microfluidic technologies for generating and manipulating synthetic vesicles, and the PhD student will work alongside the ETH team on complementary aspects of the project. The aim is to couple ATP and NAD(P)H regeneration modules to cell-like metabolic pathways, encapsulate selected reaction networks in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and explore applications such as sustainable production of fine chemicals and programmable artificial cells.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and characterise ATP- and NAD(P)H-dependent reaction networks and couple them to metabolic and biosynthetic processes such as cell-free protein synthesis
• Purify and reconstitute membrane proteins into liposomes and GUVs
• Characterise kinetics, stability and energetic efficiency using spectroscopic techniques and fluorescence microscopy, supported by quantitative modelling
• Collaborate with the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH Zurich on microfluidic vesicle production and apply these technologies at the University of Bern

Required profile

• MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology or a related field
• Strong interest in quantitative biochemistry, bioenergetics and synthetic biology
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment
• Good communication skills in English

Required skills

• Experience in protein purification, enzymology, membrane proteins, cell-free systems, fluorescence microscopy or kinetic modelling is beneficial

What we offer

• Structured doctoral training within the Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB)
• Collaborative environment and ambitious team
• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• International reputation