Postdoctoral Researcher in Peptide and Bioconjugation Chemistry 100 %

Start of employment 01.07.2026 or upon agreement, temporary

The Department of Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Zurich is an interdisciplinary research unit that combines basic science with translational biomedical research. Within this environment, the Kümmerli lab investigates human bacterial pathogens and develops new antimicrobial strategies based on microbial interaction mechanisms. In close collaboration with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zurich, in particular the group of Prof. Nina Hartrampf (flow chemistry and chemical biology), we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on the chemical late-stage modification of iron-binding peptides for antimicrobial applications. The project is funded by Innosuisse and aims to develop enzyme-triggered antimicrobial prodrugs activated specifically by resistant pathogens.

Your responsibilities

• Design and synthesize modified iron-binding peptide conjugates.
• Develop and optimize conjugation strategies for enzyme-triggered activation.
• Purify and characterize compounds using chromatographic and mass-spectrometric methods.
• Evaluate enzymatic cleavage and activation in collaboration with microbiologists.
• Work closely with a microbial synthetic biology postdoc.
• Contribute to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and project reporting.

Your profile

• PhD in organic chemistry, peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, or a related field.
• We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in peptide-based therapeutics and chemical approaches to antimicrobial research, who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong hands-on experience in peptide synthesis, bioconjugation chemistry, purification, and mass spectrometry–based peptide characterisation.
• Prior experience with prodrug concepts or enzyme-triggered systems is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, manage a research project, collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, and meet defined milestones.
• Interest in translational and antimicrobial research.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Information on your application

Please us the link below to submit your single-file PDF application, containing your motivation letter and CV, including a publication list and the contact information of at least two references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Department of Quantitative Biomedicine

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Rolf Kümmerli

Head of the group

Questions about the application procedure

Dr. Vera Vollenweider

Project leader