PhD-position | Characterization and engineering of enzyme interactions with electrode surfaces for bio-electrocatalysis
Description of project:
Development of efficient bio-electrocatalytic systems based on advanced understanding, and engineering, of the functional interactions between enzymes and electrode surfaces; design of enzymes and surfaces for optimized interaction for mediated or direct electron transfer with electrodes
Background:
Bio-electrocatalysis is promising to perform chemical transformations with minimal use of reagents and low waste produced. The design of electrochemical reactors often requires that enzyme catalysts are immobilized on the electroactive surfaces of electrodes. Electrode materials (e.g., metals, carbon) are often poorly suitable to provide an interface for interaction with the enzyme catalysts for immobilization. The project aims to deepen the understanding of enzyme interactions with electrode materials in order to enable more efficient engineering of functional bio-interfaces in, and for, electrochemical transformations.
Research Objectives:
- Exploring and optimizing enzyme interactions with carbon-based electron surfaces
- Designing enzymes for improved active adsorption on electrodes
- Engineering of enzyme-surface interactions for direct electron transfer
- Characterization of enzyme electrodes for mediated and direct electron transfer
Methods:
Electrochemical analysis and characterization (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy); characterization of enzyme-surface interactions (e.g., atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy); enzyme function assessment on surface and in solution; enzyme engineering (e.g., development of fusion proteins); analysis and characterization of enzyme binding to electrode surfaces; protein biochemistry (expression, purification, stability).
Where to apply:
https://www.circularbioengineering.at/
Fachgebiet
Biological sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Engineering
Arbeitgeber
Arbeitsstätte
Stunden
30
Antrittsdatum
01. September 2025
Bewerbungsfrist
30. Juni 2025
Kontakt
Cluster of Excellence: Circular Bioengineering
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002
Sophie Schober
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002