PhD position for Electro-Driven Biocatalysis & Flow Chemistry (f/m/d)

PhD position for Electro-Driven Biocatalysis & Flow Chemistry (f/m/d)

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from RWTH Aachen University

Institution

RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Applied Microbiology, Synthetic Microbiology Group

Our Profile

At the Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB) at RWTH Aachen University, researchers are involved in various contributions to a circular bioeconomy. The main objective is the sustainable production of valuable substances from renewable carbon sources for a future bioeconomy. Our Synthetic Microbiology group focuses on designing energy modules for the synthesis of bulk chemicals, fuels, polymers, and pharmaceutics. We employ an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating methods from molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, spectroscopy, biocatalysis, and bioprocess engineering. We offer an outstanding research environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities at the iAMB and strong links to the Cluster of Excellence “The Integrated Fuel & Chemical Science Center (FSC²),” WSS century research center catalaix, and the Bioeconomy Science Center (BioSC).

The Synthetic Microbiology Group at the Institute of Applied Microbiology (iAMB), RWTH Aachen University, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the FSC² research project “Electro‑driven Synthesis of Building Blocks.” The project focuses on research electro‑powered enzymatic processes to produce valuable chemical intermediates from renewable carbon sources. This research is embedded in the RWTH Excellence Cluster FSC² and offers an interdisciplinary environment connecting biocatalysis, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, and process engineering.

The doctoral research will center on the design and characterization of electro‑driven multi‑step biocatalytic pathways (concatenated synthetic pathways). A particular emphasis lies on flow chemistry, biocatalysis, hydrogenase‑driven redox chemistry, and quantitative analytics using GC, HPLC, NMR (including benchtop systems), and MS. The position provides access to state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation and strong collaborative networks within the RWTH and FSC².

References:

• Lim G, Calabrese D, Wolder A, Cordero PRF, Rother D, Mulks F, Paul CE, Lauterbach L. 2024 H2‑driven biocatalysis for flavin‑dependent ene‑reduction in a continuous closed‑loop flow system utilizing H2 from water electrolysis. Commun Chem. 7:200. doi: /s -y


• Schoenmakers P, Rad R, Ihl A, Weickardt I, Guillouet S, Apfel UP, Lauterbach L. 2025 Isopropanol production from carbon dioxide by Cupriavidus necator using a zero‑gap cell with culture broth as catholyte. iScience. 28(8): doi: /j.isci.


• Al‑Shameri A, M Petrich M‑C, Puring Kj, Apfel U‑P, Nestl BM, Lauterbach L 2020 Powering artificial enzymatic cascades with electrical energy. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 59:10929–10933 doi.org/ /anie.

Your Profile

• Excellent Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a related discipline.


• Strong experimental skills, especially in analytical chemistry (GC‑MS, HPLC, NMR), biochemical assays, and/or molecular biology.


• Interest in biocatalysis, electrochemistry, and enzymatic cascade engineering.


• High motivation, ability to work independently and in a team, strong communication skills, and very good English proficiency.

How to Apply

• Please prepare the following in a single PDF file:


• A brief summary of previous research experience (1 page max)


• Copies of your grades and education certificates


• Contact information of two referees.


• Send your application addressed to Dr. Paul Cordero via email to on or before December 4th, 2025.


• As RWTH Aachen University is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.


• To ensure equal opportunities, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly supported. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored.


• Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Development of electro‑driven enzymatic reaction cascades.


• Quantitative analysis of intermediates and products using GC, HPLC, NMR, and MS.


• Characterization of hydrogenases and oxidoreductases coupled to PEM‑electrolyzer‑derived hydrogen.


• Contribution to manuscripts, conference presentations, and supervision of undergraduate researchers.


• Collaboration with project partners within the FSC² Excellence Cluster.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract. The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 3 years. The fixed‑term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed‑term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed‑term Scientific Contracts). This is a part‑time contract position. The standard weekly hours will be 25.89 hours. It’s a 65% position. The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV‑L). The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV‑L.

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Temporary

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

• Research Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at RWTH Aachen University by 2x.

#J-18808-Ljbffr