Postdoc-position | Enzyme interactions with polymer substrates (Project PD 1.7)
Description of project:
Enzyme interactions with polymer substrates at the nexus of the soluble and insoluble state are critical in the biocatalysis of polymer synthesis and degradation. Understanding of these interactions is still limited which complicates engineering of enzymes for activity on polymers. In this project we study the polymer interactions of enzymes involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials. We also study the degradation of plastics. In addition, we study controlled synthesis of polysaccharide materials using enzymatic polymerization.
Research Objectives:
• Preparation of polymer substrates suitable for single enzyme molecule analysis
• Biophysical characterization of enzyme interactions with different polymer substrates
• Bottom-up enzymatic synthesis of polysaccharide materials with tunable properties
• Characterization of synthetic materials
Methods:
In situ atomic force microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, enzymatic reaction, product characterization in solution (e.g., HPLC, NMR) and in solid state
Embedding in the cluster Circular Bioengineering:
COE program 1, researcher groups working with enzymes and polymers (e.g., Ribitsch, Kracher), connection to COE program 3 in respect to enzymatic synthesis.
Application guidelines:
Please send your job application to cb_recruiting(at)boku.ac.at, indicating your name and the project/position number in the subject line (e.g. "Jane Doe, application for PD 1.7").
Further information on Application documents and formal criteria see https://www.circularbioengineering.at/ Application guidelines - Postdocs — circular bioengineering. The application must meet all formal criteria, otherwise it cannot be considered.
Fachgebiet
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Polymer Chemistry, Enzyme Engineering, Sustainable Materials Science
Arbeitgeber
Arbeitsstätte
Stunden
40
Antrittsdatum
01.11.2025
Bewerbungsfrist
07.10.2025
Kontakt
Cluster of Excellence: Circular Bioengineering
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002
Sophie Schober
cb_managingdirector(at)boku.ac.at
014765475002