PhD in Enzyme Design: New-to-Nature Biocatalysis with Unnatural Amino Acids | 1 fte

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, for a project focused on the design and development of artificial enzymes with non-canonical amino acids to unlock new catalytic techniques.

PhD in Enzyme Design: New-to-Nature Biocatalysis with Unnatural Amino Acids

Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen

• WO / MSc
• fte: 1
• Location: O2 Gebouw
• Salary: min. €2,901 – max. €3,707
• Close on 31-3-2025

Job description

In recent years, the power of non-canonical amino acids has been showcased across multiple fields, with growing examples in biocatalysis. These versatile building blocks expand the chemical diversity beyond the 20 canonical amino acids, enabling the creation of enzymes with enhanced catalytic activity, improved stability, and entirely new functionalities - innovations that are often beyond the reach of naturally occurring proteins. With this expanded toolkit, researchers have opened new avenues in enzyme design that can revolutionize green chemistry, pharmaceuticals or material science.

This PhD project offers a stimulating environment at the intersection of chemistry and biology, where you will employ state-of-the-art techniques in protein engineering, directed evolution, and biocatalysis. You will explore the synthesis and incorporation of non-canonical amino acids, aiming to create enzymes with unprecedented catalytic capabilities.

The planned starting date for the PhD is between July and November 2025.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field. Candidates graduating in 2025 are also encouraged to apply.
• Strong motivation to pursue a research career
• Enthusiasm to explore new research directions and learn new techniques
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression and purification) and/or analytical techniques (e.g HPLC, NMR, MS, or spectroscopy).
• Knowledge of chemical synthesis and catalysis
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Interested in participating in educational tasks

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

We offer

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.901,00 (1st year) and maximum of € 3.707,00 (4th year) gross per month for a full-time employment.
• an employment contract of initially 1 year.  After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• space for personal development
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity

Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.