PhD Position in Microfluidics for Assembly of Synthetic Cells for Energy Production, Nutrient M[...]

ppThe bdeMello Group /b in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zürich, a world‑leading group for the development of novel microfluidic technologies, is looking for a motivated PhD student in cutting‑edge research in microfluidics and synthetic biology. /p h3Project background /h3 pLiving systems rely on continuous energy conversion to maintain vital functions, transforming external energy sources into biochemical units like ATP and NAD(P)H to power metabolic processes. One approach to understanding this complexity is to reconstruct a cell from scratch using a minimal set of components, i.e., to build a synthetic cell. In synthetic biology, micrometer‑sized lipid vesicles can serve as artificial cells, providing a platform to reconstruct and manipulate essential biological functions. However, current methods to generate giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) face challenges such as size heterogeneity, inefficient membrane protein reconstitution, and limited compartmentalization. Overcoming these limitations is essential for engineering self‑sustaining synthetic cells that can autonomously regulate energy metabolism and biochemical processes. /p pOur approach integrates microfluidic precision with synthetic biology to engineer synthetic cells that autonomously regulate energy metabolism and biochemical processes. This interdisciplinary research is conducted in collaboration between ETH Zürich (Dr. Stavrakis) and the University of Bern (Prof. von Ballmoos). The outcomes will pave the way for innovative applications in biotechnology, biosensing, and synthetic bioengineering, contributing fundamentally to the design and fabrication of programmable living systems. /p h3Job description /h3 pWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop microfluidic platforms for reconstituting functional membrane proteins into lipid vesicles. The project combines microfluidics, super‑resolution fluorescence imaging, and membrane protein biophysics to engineer synthetic cells that will autonomously regulate energy metabolism, biochemical synthesis, and nutrient transport, mimicking natural cellular homeostasis. /p pbKey Responsibilities /b /p ul liEstablish microfluidic platforms for controlled fabrication of monodisperse synthetic vesicles with tunable membrane properties /li liDevelop microfluidic strategies for membrane protein reconstitution into synthetic vesicle membranes /li liWork closely with both the Zurich and Bern groups, including microfluidics setup and preparation of fluorescently labelled membrane proteins /li liPerform super‑resolution microscopy of membrane proteins in the synthetic vesicles /li /ul pThe project is highly interdisciplinary, fostering close collaboration with biochemists and biophysicists, to accelerate the design and fabrication of programmable living systems. /p h3Profile /h3 ul libThe successful candidate /b should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biophysics, chemical or bio‑engineering with first class grades /li liBasic experience in microfabrication and microfluidics, biophysics, cell biology will be beneficial /liliFluent communication skills (written and presentation) in English are essential /li liThe PhD candidate will join an excellent and highly ambitious teams at the forefront of research in the areas of microfluidics and synthetic biology /li /ul h3We offer /h3 ul liYour job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society /li liYou can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits /li /ul h3We value diversity and sustainability /h3 pIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. We are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr