PhD student position: elucidating chaperone protein function using single-molecule fluorescence/FRET

The Biomolecular Nano-Dynamics group at the Dept. of Chemistry, University of Basel is looking for a highly talented and motivated PhD student in biophysical chemistry to join our team for the study of protein dynamics and chaperone function using novel techniques, such as single-molecule fluorescence/FRET and unnatural amino-acid labelling.

This PhD project will grow with you. You will create time-resolved direct observations of single Hsp90 chaperone proteins in action, to push beyond static 3D structures and reveal the essential molecular processes that underlie Hsp90's function, i.e.: to assist protein folding and maturation in health and disease. Multiple critical questions remain unsolved in this regard that you can tackle in your PhD. Steps involved:

• Protein construct design, mutagenesis, purification, bioconjugation, quality control
• Single-molecule fluorescence/FRET/DyeCycling experiments
• Genetic code expansion for site-specific unnatural amino-acid labeling
• Data analysis using existing and self-written code

Prior experience in several of these areas is desired:

• Protein biochemistry (purification, bioconjugation, quality control, etc.)
• Single-molecule experiments and interpretation
• Advanced data analysis, coding, machine learning
• Optics and fluorescence microscopy techniques

Essential requirements:

• MSc degree in (bio-)chemistry, physics, molecular lifesciences with excellent grades
• High motivation and curiosity about fundamental questions in protein science
• Independent analytical thinking and systematic work style
• Excellent experimental problem-solving skills and perseverance
• Friendly team player proficient in English communication (speaking & writing)

• An exciting and fully funded PhD project in Basel, Switzerland
• Embedding in a productive, interdisciplinary group with an open and interactive lab culture
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities
• A highly international and interdisciplinary setting stimulating your professional and personal development
• The GRACE graduate center
• A beautiful and very livable city at the intersection of Germany, France, and Switzerland
• Wide-ranging sport offers

It goes without saying that we welcome applications of friendly and ambitious humans of all kind.

Application / Contact

Applications are invited before/by April 7th, 2024.

Please submit your application via sonja.schmid@unibas.ch with subject 'Application PhD3 Firstname Lastname', and include:
your letter of motivation, your CV, and email addresses of 2-3 references – all merged into one single pdf file named 'Application PhD3 Firstname Lastname.pdf'.

For questions, please contact Prof. Sonja Schmid: sonja.schmid@unibas.ch.