Postdoc-position | Mechanistic investigation of oxidoreductases for the synthesis of biobased chemicals

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions: Postdoc Positions Application Deadline: 20 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Vienna) Country: Austria Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 40 Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Description of project The project focuses on the mechanistic investigation of enzymes involved in the catalytic upgrading of hydrophobic substrates into valuable biobased chemicals. Hydrophobic binding pockets are a common structural feature of these enzymes and play a crucial role in substrate recognition and selectivity. However, the structural determinants governing selectivity in these binding pockets remain poorly understood. In particular, the role of conformational dynamics in controlling enzyme selectivity is difficult to rationalize, posing a major challenge for rational enzyme engineering. The aim of this project is to advance our mechanistic understanding of how hydrophobic binding pockets control chemo- and stereoselectivity and to apply this knowledge to the rational design of biocatalysts with improved selectivity for the synthesis of valuable biobased chemicals. Key Responsibilities Research on enzyme engineering, supported by computational approaches Biocatalytic investigation of engineered and redesigned enzyme variants and integration into process setting. Documentation of scientific results and presentations in the form of reports, specialist publications, and conference contributions Embedding in the CoE Circular Bioengineering The project is embedded in the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering Program 3 “Biocatalytic Processes for Sustainable Synthesis”, and has strong links to research groups working on enzymatic synthesis and bioprocess engineering in Program 3. Candidate Profile PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related. Outstanding academic record; Advanced knowledge in one of the following areas: structural biology, computational biology, biocatalysis, molecular biology. Excellent English language skills (spoken and written) Ability to work independently and scientifically; flexibility and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment; high level of resilience Main Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Robert Kourist Location: Graz University of Technology Duration : 18 Months, 40h/week Salary: Minimum gross monthly salary according to the B1 salary group according to the Austrian university collective agreement. Application guidelines Please send your job application to cb_recruiting@boku.ac.at , indicating your name and the project/position number in the subject line (e.g. "Jane Doe, application for PD 3.1"). Further information on Application documents and formal criteria see Application guidelines - Postdocs — circular bioengineering . The application must meet all formal criteria, otherwise it cannot be considered. Submission deadline : 20.11.2026. Where to apply E-mail: cb_recruiting@boku.ac.at Requirements Research Field: Technology » Biotechnology; Education Level: PhD or equivalent Research Field: Engineering » Chemical engineering; Education Level: PhD or equivalent Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry; Education Level: PhD or equivalent Languages: English; Level: Excellent Internal Application form(s) needed: CoE_CB_Postdoc-Application_Form.pdf Additional Information Website for additional job details: https://circularbioengineering.at/careers/ Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Graz University of Technology Country: Austria City: Graz Postal Code: 8010 Street: Rechbauerstraße 12 Contact City: Vienna Website: https://boku.ac.at/ Street: Muthgasse 11 Postal Code: 1190 E-Mail: cb_managingdirector@boku.ac.at