Department of Quantitative Biomedicine

Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbial Synthetic Biology / NRPS Engineering 100 %

Start of employment 01.07.2026 or upon agreement, temporary

The Department of Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Zurich is an interdisciplinary research unit that combines basic science with translational biomedical research. Within this environment, the Kümmerli lab investigates human bacterial pathogens and develops new antimicrobial strategies based on microbial interaction mechanisms. We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to engineer nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) in Pseudomonas species. The position is fully funded by Innosuisse for 18 months and focuses on generating chemically novel iron-binding peptides with antimicrobial activity through targeted modification of bacterial biosynthetic pathways. The project will be closely coordinated with a chemistry postdoc working in parallel on downstream molecular modifications.

Your responsibilities

  • Rationally design peptide derivatives and engineer NRPS biosynthetic pathways in Pseudomonas species using genetic and molecular biology approaches.
  • Purify and characterise novel peptide variants produced by engineered strains.
  • Quantify antimicrobial activity in clinically relevant bacterial strains.
  • Contribution to in vivo infection experiments (zebrafish larvae) to assess toxicity and efficacy in vivo.
  • Collaborate closely with a synthetic chemist on downstream chemical modifications.
  • Analyse data, document results, and contribute to scientific manuscripts.

Your profile

  • PhD in synthetic or molecular biology.
  • Proven hands-on experience with bacterial genetic engineering.
  • Solid understanding of secondary metabolite biosynthesis or NRPS systems.
  • Ability to work independently, manage a research project, collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, and meet defined milestones.
  • Interest in translational and antimicrobial research.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Information on your application

Please us the link below to submit your single-file PDF application, containing your motivation letter and CV, including a publication list and the contact information of at least two references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

What we offer

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What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Department of Quantitative Biomedicine

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. Rolf Kümmerli Head of the group
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Contact question to: Prof. Dr. Rolf Kümmerli

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Questions about the application procedure

Dr. Vera Vollenweider Project leader
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Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
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Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
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