Protein Engineering Research Group of Prof. Schwaneberg
at Jacobs University Bremen
Interested in joining our directed protein evolution team
Current open positions
IntroductionsA question I encounter often in discussion with graduate-students and in interviews is whether a PhD in the field of directed protein evolution opens career opportunities in industry or academia.
Studies from McKinsay, Dechema and others predict a blossom of the field of industrial biotechnology {optimistic studies predict an increase of chemicals produced by biotechnological means from a market value of 30 billion USD (2001) to 320 billion USD (2010)}. Directed protein evolution methods allow to tailor catalyst to cost-effective production conditions instead of developing expensive and complicated processes to compensate for insufficient enzyme properties such as organic solvent resistance or substrate/product inhibition. In the last ten years directed protein evolution has become a widely accepted and broadly applied method for biocatalyst engineering in industry and academia. Directed protein evolution represents the most versatile method for tailoring protein properties to the needs in industrial applications and to generate knowledge by elucidating structure-function relationships. It requires however longer timescales than efficient rational design approaches that are unfortunately only available for a few structure-function relationships and a few protein folds.
Internship studentThree internships stipends (each 600 EUR for three months) are available per year. Such a stipend is sufficient to cover your living expenses in Bremen. Applications are preferentially received until the end of January. Travel expenses can usually not be covered.
Master course studentsFour stipends for master course students (each 600 EUR for six months) are available per year. Such a stipend is sufficient to cover your living expenses in Bremen. Applications are preferentially received until the end of January. Travel expenses can usually not be covered.
PhD fellowsOur research group is international and interdisciplinary ranging from biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, food chemists, biotechnologists to chemical engineers.Your application package should include a detailed CV, names of three references and a personal statement describing your research interests. Students from Fachhochschulen are encouraged to apply. Short term visits to obtain an impression on the group/research or in preparation of a fellowship application can be scheduled. A memorandum describing graduation requirements and group policies is available and language on Jacobs University Bremen's campus is English.
Post-docsThe selection process for post-docs is highly selective. As post-doc you will guide/assist at least one PhD fellow in her/his research including manuscript editing. You are further encouraged to discuss on a regular base with PhD fellows scientific challenges in their research.You should have a distinct publication record and master a broad variety of methods. Your application package should comprise a detailed CV, names of three references and a personal statement describing your interest in directed protein evolution and future career goals. The interview process includes usually a short term visit (~3-5 days) and discussions with each group member. Travel and housing expenses are covered.
Current open positionsOne Research Associate position for initially four years. Responsibilities comprise duties in writing grant applications, manuscript preparation, further development of our core research expertise and assistance in teaching.Four Post-doc (sub-group leader) position for three years in the field high-throughput screening development. Seven PhD fellows for three years in the fields of protein engineering and directed enzyme evolution. The required expertise in the various projects ranges from biotechnologists (2 positions), molecular biologists (three positions), chemists (one position), and computational biologist (one position) to biophysicist (1 position). Please inquire for details at the address stated below. The openings are illustrated on the following picture: 
Please mail your application to: |