h3Project Description /h3 pBottom-up synthetic biology aims to build cell-like systems from defined molecular components. A key challenge is energy: living cells require a continuous supply of ATP and NAD(P)H to drive metabolism, biosynthesis and transport, and any synthetic cell needs the same. /p h3Project Description /h3 pBottom-up synthetic biology aims to build cell-like systems from defined molecular components. A key challenge is energy: living cells require a continuous supply of ATP and NAD(P)H to drive metabolism, biosynthesis and transport, and any synthetic cell needs the same. The von Ballmoos group is an ambitious and interdisciplinary team that has been pioneering different ATP regeneration modules that mimic oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation by co-reconstitution of relevant proteins into liposomes. Combined with enzymatic NADH regeneration, these modules can already power ATP- and NADH-dependent enzyme cascades in vitro. Building on this, the PhD project aims to couple our energy and cofactor regeneration modules to cell-like metabolic pathways, including biosynthetic reactions such as protein production, and to understand how such coupled systems can be maintained and controlled over time. Selected reaction networks will then be encapsulated into giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) to create increasingly cell-like systems. The position is embedded in a four-year SNSF project jointly awarded to the von Ballmoos group and the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH Zürich, which develops microfluidic technologies for the generation and manipulation of synthetic vesicles. The PhD student will be part of a team working on complementary aspects of the project across both institutions. Beyond fundamental questions, the project will design these systems with applications in mind: as self-sustaining compartments for the sustainable production of fine chemicals, or as programmable artificial cells for biomedical use. /p h3What You Will Do /h3 ul liEstablish and characterise ATP- and NAD(P)H-dependent reaction networks and couple them to metabolic and biosynthetic processes, such as cell-free protein synthesis /li liPurify and reconstitute membrane proteins into liposomes and GUVs /li liCharacterise kinetics, stability and energetic efficiency using spectroscopic techniques and fluorescence microscopy, and support this with quantitative modelling /li liCollaborate closely with the Stavrakis/deMello group at ETH Zürich on microfluidic vesicle production and apply these technologies at the University of Bern /li /ul h3Requirements /h3 ul liMSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology or a related field /li liExperience in protein purification, enzymology, membrane proteins, cell-free systems, fluorescence microscopy or kinetic modelling is beneficial /li liStrong interest in quantitative biochemistry, bioenergetics and synthetic biology /li liAbility to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment /li liGood communication skills in English /li /ul h3Your Benefits /h3 ul liStructured doctoral training within the Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB) /li liCollaborative environment and ambitious team /li liStrong research infrastructure and international network /li liInternational reputation /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr
PhD position in Bottom-up Bioenergetics and Cell Metabolism Arbeitgeber: Kanton Bern
Die Universität Bern ist ein hervorragender Arbeitgeber, der eine inspirierende Arbeitsumgebung bietet, in der Teamarbeit und persönliche Entwicklung gefördert werden. Als Teamleiter im Bereich Administration & Debitoren-Management profitieren Sie von flexiblen Arbeitszeiten, umfangreichen Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten und einer wertschätzenden Unternehmenskultur, die Vielfalt und Innovation schätzt. Die zentrale Lage der Universität ermöglicht zudem eine gute Erreichbarkeit und ein lebendiges Umfeld für alle Mitarbeitenden.
