PhD in Natural Product Chemistry / Comparative Metabolomics

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Institute of Chemistry at the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) invites applications for a PhD studentship (assistant-e doctorant-e) in natural product chemistry / comparative metabolomics. The position is located at the Laboratory of Bioanalytical Chemistry, a small research unit supervised by Prof. Stephan von Reuss, that provides an inspiring work environment with excellent conditions for state-of-the-art research (http://www.unine.ch/bioanalyticalchem/home.html ). For our international team, we are looking for a self-motivated researcher with a background in natural products chemistry or life sciences and expertise in comparative metabolomics. 

Job starts: available immediately (open till filled)

Term: 4 years (+1 year if required; renewable each year)

Location: Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Salary: 34’800 – 41’135 CHF / year (50% of LI01-LI04; https://www.unine.ch/srh/assistant-e-s-doctorant-e-s ) 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Our research at the Laboratory of Bioanalytical Chemistry is focused on secondary metabolism and small molecule signaling in nematodes (roundworms). Aiming to elucidate molecular structures, biosynthetic pathways, and the ecological significance of novel nematode-derived natural products, we combine a diversity of techniques, including large scale cultivation of nematodes, chromatographic fractionation of nematode metabolomes, structure elucidation of isolated natural products using MS and NMR techniques, confirmation of structure assignments by total synthesis, MS-based comparative metabolomics and stable isotope labelling, as well as functional bioassays.

Potential research topics for the open PhD position include: PROJECT 1 - the systematic analysis of lipogenesis and lipid metabolism in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans using comparative lipidomics / metabolomics and reverse genetics; or PROJECT 2 - the systematic analysis of secondary metabolism in bacterivorous nematodes using comparative metabolomics and molecular networks.

For further information please contact Prof. Stephan von Reuss ([email protected] ).