PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering

University of Bern Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering 100%

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University of Bern is the third largest University in Switzerland. The position offers a world-class scientific environment with an outstanding infrastructure. Our Department at Bern University, research group of Prof. Rebecca Buller, invites applications for a PhD position to work on a innovative research project in the field chemical biology, enzyme engineering and biocatalysis. The position is full-time (100%) for a period of 4 years in the frame of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Your role

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of biocatalysis and enzyme engineering. Our group is dedicated to developing innovative biocatalysts that advance the sustainability and efficiency of chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis. We aim to design and evolve enzymes that catalyze new-to-nature reactions, broadening the scope of biocatalytic transformations beyond those found in nature. By combining rational design, computational tools, and directed evolution, we seek to understand and exploit enzyme catalytic promiscuity for practical synthetic applications.

Your profile

Essential qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field
• Strong foundation in organic chemistry and enthusiasm for enzyme catalysis
• Ability to work in a team

Desirable experience

• Synthetic chemistry and reaction optimization
• Site-directed mutagenesis, molecular cloning, and protein expression/purification
• Enzyme engineering
• Analytical method development (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS)
• Protein bioinformatics and computational (bio)chemistry

We recognize that no single candidate will possess all these skills. The ideal candidate will be curious, proactive, and eager to expand their expertise in both experimental and computational methods during their doctoral studies.

We offer

• State-of-the-art laboratory and university infrastructure
• Working in an international, supportive and inspiring environment
• Opportunities to attend national and international conferences, teaching and coaching

Your application

We look forward to receiving your application by email to rebecca.buller@unibe.ch by Nov 30th, 2025. It must include a letter of motivation (max 2 pages), a Curriculum Vitae and contact details of two references. Only complete applications compiled in a single pdf file will be considered.

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