PhD position in Synthetic Biology of mRNA in Zürich

100%, Basel, temporary

The ETH Zurich Bioprocess Laboratory (Prof. Panke), an international (currently 9 different nationalities) and interdisciplinary (microfluidics, genetic and enzyme engineering, bioprocesses) group located at the Basel campus of ETH Zurich and part of the recently founded Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D‐BSSE) (, ).

You will be responsible for our part in the recently approved Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) Open project NEWmRNA, which we will conduct over the next 4 years with our partners in Zurich, Konstanz, Leuven, Luxemburg, and Paris. The overall goal is to engineer new ways on how to produce novel mRNA molecules for applications in vaccination, medical treatment and agriculture.

If you are an enthusiastic and responsible student with a background (MSc or equivalent) in applied microbiology, molecular bio(techno)logy, or chemical biology, and if you are looking for an opportunity to help shaping the future of how we treat diseases, vaccinate people, or save crops, then we are looking for you.

We offer a supportive environment in a well-functioning team, excellent training in state-of-the-art enzyme and genetic engineering and lab-scale fermentation. You will learn how to shape and drive your scientific project and how to communicate about it while having access to the cutting edge facilities of the D-BSSE and experience the busy life of an buzzing international department in the heart of Europe's life science capital (). D-BSSE is an equal opportunity department and you will have all the benefit from becoming an employee of ETH. The project starts on March 1st, 2021.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.