Doctoral research on the directed evolution of material-making microbes
Over the last 4.5 billion years, selective pressure from the environment has driven the natural evolution of microorganisms into species adapted to thrive in every corner of our planet. Inspired by this natural selection process, directed evolution approaches have also been utilized to obtain microbial strains with technologically relevant phenotypes. An example of a phenotype of interest is the bio-synthesis of sustainable materials by functional bacteria under environmentally friendly conditions.
Utilize a droplet microfluidic platform for the directed evolution of functional microorganisms and investigate genotype-phenotype correlations of selected strains compared to native species. The project will involve the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices, the directed evolution and sorting of microorganisms under selective pressure, as well as the characterization of the biological activity and the genetic analysis of selected microbial strains.
- You are a highly motivated materials scientist, physicist, chemist, biologist or engineer.
- You would like to apply their technical background to the development and understanding of functional microorganisms using a directed evolution methodology.
- Although this is not a mandatory requirement, preference will be given to candidates with previous experience within the field of microfluidics and microbiology.
- You have an excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Training opportunities through MaP Doctoral School (https://doctoral-school.ethz.ch)
- Support programmes (e.g. mentoring) and networks
- Stimulating research environment within the Complex Materials Group
- Researchers in the group work on a wide range of topics and are exposed to each others’ work through regular group meetings
- ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to a competitive working conditions, an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits
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