The University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position in Enzyme Discovery and Characterization as part of the MSCA-DN HaloVerse (DC2) project. The research will be embedded in the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) within the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology. The project focuses on interdisciplinary research in bioinformatics, biocatalysis, chemistry, and metagenomics, with a special emphasis on the genome-guided identification of novel halogenases and the characterization of natural metalloenzymes from extreme marine environments. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Sandy Schmidt (University of Groningen) and Prof. Ioannis Pavlidis (University of Crete), with a planned academic research stay at the University of Crete and an industrial secondment at Prozomix (UK). The PhD will result in a double degree awarded by both the University of Groningen and the University of Crete. The research involves cloning, expression, and elucidation of enzyme promiscuity, screening of metagenomic libraries, and structural and mechanistic investigations of selected enzymes. Applicants must hold an outstanding MSc degree in Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field, and be eligible for graduate studies at both universities. Research experience in organic chemistry, analytical methods (HPLC, GC, MS, NMR), enzyme purification and assays, and molecular biology (molecular cloning) is highly desirable. Candidates should be motivated, able to work in an international and interdisciplinary team, and fluent in English. The position is fully funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, offering a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881 gross/month), generous vacation allowance, end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, and professional development opportunities. The contract is initially for one year, renewable for up to three more years based on progress. The preferred starting date is between April and December 2026. To apply, candidates should prepare a motivation letter, CV with publication list, contact details of up to three referees, and copies of relevant diplomas. Applications must be submitted via https://haloverse.eu/recruitment/. For further information, contact Prof. Sandy Schmidt at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about biochemistry, molecular biology, enzyme research, and advancing their research career in enzymology and molecular sciences within a dynamic academic environment.

This fully funded PhD position is offered within the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) at the University of Groningen, in collaboration with the University of Crete and the company Prozomix (UK), as part of the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network (DN) project HALOVERSE. The successful candidate will join the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology (CBP) and work under the supervision of Prof. Sandy Schmidt (University of Groningen) and Prof. Ioannis Pavlidis (University of Crete). The PhD project is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on enzyme discovery and characterization through bioinformatics, biocatalysis, and chemistry. Key research activities include genome-guided identification of novel halogenases, metagenomic prospecting of natural metalloenzymes, cloning and expression of candidate enzymes, and elucidation of enzyme promiscuity. The project also involves screening metagenomic libraries from extreme marine environments, followed by biochemical and kinetic characterization, as well as structural and mechanistic investigations of selected enzymes. The position offers a unique double degree opportunity, with the main research conducted at the University of Groningen and a 12-month academic research stay at the University of Crete. An industrial secondment at Prozomix (UK) is also planned, providing valuable exposure to both academic and industrial research environments. The successful candidate will participate in training events and workshops organized by the DN-Joint Doctorates program and is expected to engage in public dissemination of research results. Funding is provided by the MSCA Doctoral Network, covering a competitive stipend and participation in training activities. Applicants should hold a relevant MSc degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field, and demonstrate proficiency in English. Experience in molecular biology, protein expression, or bioinformatics is highly desirable. Candidates must meet the MSCA mobility requirements and be willing to participate in secondments and training events. The application deadline is December 2026, with the project start date planned for April 2026 at the latest. Interested candidates should apply via the official recruitment portal at www.haloverse.eu/recruitment, following all specified instructions. For further information, contact Prof. Sandy Schmidt ([email protected]) or Prof. Ioannis Pavlidis ([email protected]).

The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) at the University of Groningen is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network (DN) project HALOVERSE DC11. This interdisciplinary project bridges the gap between fundamental natural sciences and medical/clinical sciences, focusing on the development of new and innovative drugs and therapies, as well as improving the use of existing pharmaceuticals. The PhD research will be conducted primarily at the University of Groningen (RUG, The Netherlands) in the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, under the supervision of Prof. Sandy Schmidt. The project features a strong international component, including a 12-month academic research stay at the University of Bern (Switzerland) supervised by Prof. Francesca Paradisi, and an industrial secondment at AstraZeneca (Sweden). The successful candidate will be awarded a double PhD degree from both RUG and the University of Bern upon completion. The research focuses on enzyme engineering, (flow)biocatalysis, and chemistry, with the aim of identifying and characterizing enzymes for cascade reactions towards functionalized N-heterocycles. The project includes investigation of different cascade modes, engineering of biocatalysts for enhanced activity and stability, enzyme immobilization, scale-up, and demonstration studies in a bioreactor. The industrial secondment will apply these functionalized N-heterocycles in a drug discovery platform. Prof. Schmidt’s research group offers a multicultural, inclusive, and interdisciplinary environment, integrating synthetic biology, protein engineering, and biocatalysis. The team collaborates nationally and internationally, focusing on translational research and industrially relevant applications. The ultimate goal is to use biocatalysts for the scalable and sustainable enzymatic synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The position is funded by the MSCA Doctoral Network, providing a competitive salary/stipend, participation in training events and workshops, and opportunities for public engagement and scientific dissemination. Applicants must hold a relevant MSc degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field, and have a strong command of English. Experience in enzyme engineering, protein engineering, biocatalysis, or synthetic biology is highly desirable. Candidates must also meet the MSCA mobility requirements. The project is planned to start between April and December 2026. For application instructions, please visit www.haloverse.eu/recruitment . Do not apply through the Academic Transfer or FindAPhD websites.