Sonja Schmid
1 week ago
PhD position: From the Origin of Life to New Materials – Nanopore Detection of Nanocluster Heterogeneity with Single-Molecule Resolution (P2604) University of Basel in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Basel

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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Basel in the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) PhD School.
This fully funded 4-year doctoral project focuses on developing protein nanopore technology for single-molecule detection and classification of metal nanoclusters. The research sits at the intersection of biophysical chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, nanoscience, analytical chemistry, and machine learning, with applications ranging from understanding molecular heterogeneity in prebiotic life to enabling new materials research.
The project is jointly supervised by Prof. Sonja Schmid and Prof. Florian P. Seebeck, and the student will work in a highly interdisciplinary setting with physicists, chemists, and molecular life scientists. Research tasks include establishing nanopore assays for individual nanoclusters, engineering and purifying protein nanopores with tailored sensitivity, and developing data analysis and machine learning pipelines for signal classification.
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, biochemistry, nanoscience, physics, or a related field. Experience with nanopore experiments, protein purification, data analysis, coding (preferably Python), and machine learning is advantageous. Strong independence, systematic working habits, teamwork, and excellent English communication skills are expected.
The position offers training in cutting-edge single-molecule and nanopore methods, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure in two complementary groups, an international research environment, and opportunities to present at conferences and publish in high-impact journals. The location is Basel, Switzerland, a highly livable city at the junction of Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Applications must be completed via the online platform at www.phd.nanoscience.ch. For questions, candidates may contact Dr. Andreas Baumgartner at [email protected]. The post indicates that the vacancy may be filled at any time, while the application deadline shown in the job details is 2026-10-15.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in chemistry, biochemistry, nanoscience, physics, or a related field. Previous knowledge of nanopore experiments, protein purification, and/or machine learning is a clear plus. Experience in data analysis and coding, preferably Python, is required or strongly preferred. Candidates should have a systematic, independent working style, the ability to work collaboratively, and excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
How to apply
Apply through the online application platform at www.phd.nanoscience.ch. If you have questions, contact Dr. Andreas Baumgartner at [email protected] or the project leaders. Submit the completed application before the deadline.
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