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]).