Robin Teufel

The University of Basel's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is a leading Academic Drug Discovery & Development Center, offering comprehensive coverage of academic drug research from pre-clinical to clinical phases. The Pharmaceutical Biology Group is seeking two motivated PhD students to join Prof. Robin Teufel's research group, which specializes in elucidating natural product biosynthetic pathways and the underlying enzymology. The research will focus on the biosynthesis of bacterial aromatic polyketide natural products with antibiotic and anticancer properties, as well as the characterization and engineering of the involved enzymes. These efforts aim to produce natural product derivatives as potential lead compounds, in collaboration with partners working on synthetic approaches. Through this project, you will gain insights into the complex catalytic mechanisms of key biosynthetic enzymes, contributing to a deeper understanding of natural product structural diversification. The research environment is based at the Pharmacenter in Basel, a hub for pharmaceutical research, offering state-of-the-art instrumentation and infrastructure. The group is multidisciplinary, comprising pharmacists, chemists, and biologists, and provides excellent opportunities for internal and external collaborations. Applicants should have a master's degree in pharmaceutical biology, (bio)chemistry, enzymology, structural biology, or microbiology. Experience and interest in natural product research and enzymology are essential. Additional skills in molecular biology, structural biology/X-ray crystallography, protein design, natural product analysis (LCMS, NMR), microbial genetics, and bioinformatics are advantageous. Fluency in English at C2 level is required. As a doctoral researcher, you will also assist master students and participate in teaching activities. The position offers a generous salary and full funding, along with supportive mentoring and the opportunity to enjoy the high quality of life in Switzerland. To apply, submit your application online via the official portal, including a brief cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees. Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered. For general inquiries, contact Prof. Robin Teufel at [email protected]. Join a vibrant scientific community at the University of Basel and advance your career in natural product biosynthesis and bioengineering.

University of Basel is advertising two research openings starting in September 2026: a PhD position in Natural Product Biosynthesis & Bioengineering and a Postdoctoral researcher position in Structural Biology . The positions are associated with Robin Teufel’s group and are based in Basel, Switzerland, within a strong pharma and biotech ecosystem. The research themes combine structural biology , natural product biosynthesis , and bioengineering , making this a strong fit for candidates interested in biology, chemistry, and interdisciplinary biotechnology research. The post highlights a competitive salary and 100% positions for both roles. Eligibility details are not fully specified in the social post, but the opportunity clearly targets candidates for doctoral and postdoctoral research. Interested applicants should review the official University of Basel job pages for the full description, required qualifications, and application materials. Application links are provided in the post, and the openings are intended for September 2026. If you are interested in these areas, check the official postings and apply through the university’s recruitment system.

The University of Basel's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences is a leading Academic Drug Discovery & Development Center, offering comprehensive coverage of academic drug research from pre-clinical to clinical phases. Within this department, the Pharmaceutical Biology Group is seeking two PhD students to join the research group of Professor Robin Teufel. The group specializes in elucidating natural product biosynthetic pathways and the underlying enzymology, with a focus on bacterial aromatic polyketide natural products that possess antibiotic and anticancer properties. As a doctoral researcher, you will explore the biosynthesis of these natural products, characterize the involved enzymes, and engineer them to produce derivatives as potential lead compounds. This work is conducted in collaboration with project partners who focus on synthetic approaches to these compounds. The research aims to provide insights into the complex catalytic mechanisms of key biosynthetic enzymes, contributing to a fundamental understanding of natural product structural diversification. The position is based at the Pharmacenter in Basel, Switzerland, a global hub for pharmaceutical research. You will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, chemists, and biologists working on the isolation and characterization of natural products and their biosynthesis. The University of Basel offers a vibrant scientific community, excellent opportunities for internal and external collaborations, and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and infrastructure. Applicants must hold a master's degree in pharmaceutical biology, (bio)chemistry, enzymology, structural biology, or microbiology. Experience and interest in natural product research and enzymology are required. Additional knowledge in molecular biology, structural biology/X-ray crystallography, protein design, natural product analysis (LCMS, NMR), microbial genetics, and/or bioinformatics is advantageous. Fluency in English at C2 level is mandatory. As a doctoral researcher, you will also assist master students and participate in teaching activities. The position offers a generous salary and supportive mentoring, ensuring a high quality of life during your PhD studies in Switzerland. To apply, submit your application online via the official portal, including a brief cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees. Applications sent by email, postal services, or agencies will not be considered. For general inquiries, contact Prof. Robin Teufel at [email protected]. Further information about the supervisor can be found at this academic profile page . Application deadline: 14 May 2026.