PHD position - Enzyme interaction with novel bio-plastics

Enzyme interaction with novel bio-plastics

An opportunity has arisen within a new European Project for a three-year PhD position within the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU Vienna). Our group conducts research aimed at the identification and exploitation of enzymes involved in the environmentallyfriendly processing and recycling of polymers. We are currently looking for a highly motivated PhD student interested in the mechanistic investigation of enzymes active on novel structurally different bio-based co-polymers and blends in collaboration with leading European academic and industrial partners.

The ideal candidate should hold an MSc degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, or equivalent. Experience in working with enzymes (hydrolases), recombinant expression and characterization of enzymes together with knowledge of organic chemistry techniques will be an added advantage. He or she is ready to dive quickly into this project, has strong communication skills in English and is motivated to work in an inter- and transdisciplinary team at the BOKU-Campus in Tulln. The successful candidate should also enjoy collaborations with scientists and engineers outside of their discipline building on an international network of the group.

We offer a stimulating research project at an internationally renowned university with outstanding connections to the industry, modern and high-end working equipment, profound scientific, interactive work in a young, motivated and international team, as well as the beautiful town of Tulln (20 minutes from Vienna) as an appealing place to work and live. The institute offers multidisciplinary research in basic life sciences, engineering sciences and biotechnology for a sustainable bioeconomy

Highly qualified and motivated students are invited to apply for the three-year PhD position. BOKU offers a 30 hours/week position as a Junior Scientist (predoctoral). The gross monthly income is EUR 2.294 ,- per month (14 times a year) according to the Gehaltsgruppe B1 of the Austrian collective contract for university employees.

Applicants should submit their CV and a covering letter including full contact details of two referees to Dr. Doris Ribitsch and Professor Georg Guebitz, E-mail: officeUT@boku.ac.at 

BOKU PhD entry requirements must be met. 

Provisional starting date: Summer 2023