Postdoc-position | Mechanistic investigation of oxidoreductases for the synthesis of biobased chemicals | Project PD 3.1

Description of project:

The project focuses on the mechanistic investigation of enzymes involved in the catalytic upgrading of hydrophobic substrates into valuable biobased chemicals. Hydrophobic binding pockets are a common structural feature of these enzymes and play a crucial role in substrate recognition and selectivity. However, the structural determinants governing selectivity in these binding pockets remain poorly understood. In particular, the role of conformational dynamics in controlling enzyme selectivity is difficult to rationalize, posing a major challenge for rational enzyme engineering.

The aim of this project is to advance our mechanistic understanding of how hydrophobic binding pockets control chemo- and stereoselectivity and to apply this knowledge to the rational design of biocatalysts with improved selectivity for the synthesis of valuable biobased chemicals.

Key Responsibilities

• Research on enzyme engineering, supported by computational approaches
• Biocatalytic investigation of engineered and redesigned enzyme variants and integration into process setting.
• Documentation of scientific results and presentations in the form of reports, specialist publications, and conference contributions

Embedding in the CoE Circular Bioengineering:

The project is embedded in the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering Program 3 “Biocatalytic Processes for Sustainable Synthesis”, and has strong links to research groups working on enzymatic synthesis and bioprocess engineering in Program 3.

Candidate Profile:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related.
• Outstanding academic record;
• Advanced knowledge in one of the following areas: structural biology, computational biology, biocatalysis, molecular biology.
• Excellent English language skills (spoken and written) 
• Ability to work independently and scientifically; flexibility and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment; high level of resilience

Main Supervisor: Univ.-Prof. Robert Kourist

Location: Graz University of Technology

Duration: 18 Months, 40h/week

Salary: Minimum gross monthly salary according to the B1 salary group according to the Austrian university collective agreement.

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 3.1").

Further information on Application documents and formal criteria see Application guidelines - Postdocs — circular bioengineering. The application must meet all formal criteria, otherwise it cannot be considered.

Submission deadline: 20.11.2026.

Keywords Photobiocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Molecular Biology, Whole-cell Biotransformation

Required skills and qualifications/Research Fields: Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry