PhD student (m,f,x) in protein complex engineering for sustained H2 production in collaboration with Osaka University, Japan for 3 years, 25,8895 hours per week, TVL E13

The imminent climate change requires fundamentally novel concepts for the generation and use of energy forms that do not harm the environment and climate. The Photobiotechnology group at the Faculty for Biology & Biotechnology at Ruhr University Bochum (www.rub.de/pbt/index.html) focuses on the characterization and application of hydrogen (H2) producing enzymes (hydrogenases). To understand the working principles of these sophisticated and efficient redox catalysts, we apply a multitude of advanced (bio)chemical, biophysical and spectroscopic techniques. We also investigate the natural H2 metabolism of microalgae, which can employ photosynthesis for light-dependent H2 production. Based on the in-depth characterization of the mechanism and diversity of natural hydrogenases, we optimize the natural enzymes and pathways and design artificial biocatalysts.

For a novel project in which we aim to boost microalgal H2 production through protein complex engineering we are looking for a motivated doctoral candidate. The three-year PhD project (TV-L E13 65 %) will integrate biochemistry and biotechnology and aims at characterizing and re-designing biological protein complexes for the sustainable production of molecular hydrogen. This research is part of a collaborative project in the framework of the EIG Concert Japan initiative. With partners from France, Belgium and Japan we aim to optimize pathways that generate molecular hydrogen in microalgae. The doctoral student will have the opportunity to conduct experiments at the world's largest third-generation synchrotron radiation facility together with the Japanese partners at the Institute of Protein Research, Osaka University.