PhD Positions (m/f/x) for MSCA Doctoral Network “Better Biobased Polymer Network B3PO” in the field of Biochemistry

Responsibilities

The Doctoral Network B3PO, “Better Biobased Polymer Network,” is recruiting 15 highly motivated Doctoral Candidates (DCs), two of whom will be based at TU Graz. The offered positions at TU Graz are available with a starting date of 01.03.2026 for a maximum duration of 3 years. The fellowships are funded as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme.

The shift to a sustainable, circular economy is a critical global challenge, and chemists play a key role in driving this change. Lignocellulosic feedstocks (LCF), derived from locally available biomass, offer a promising alternative to fossil resources and are central to the European Green Deal. While economically attractive, LCF utilization is far more complex and requires the integration of disciplines such as chemistry, industrial biotechnology, polymer science, and materials engineering. To meet this challenge, the “Better BioBased Polymer (B3PO)” network was established to train a new generation of cross-disciplinary scientists.

Open Positions at TU-Graz in the research field Chemistry – Biochemistry:

DC7: Machine-learning-guided enzyme engineering for improved activity of enzymes to produce biopolymer precursors.
DC 9: Machine learning-guided enzyme engineering for improved lactone production

Responsibilites:

• Scientific experiments in molecular biology
• Documentation of scientific results
• Support for research in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis
• Additional support in general institute tasks

As part of the training, the doctoral candidate will attend regular events across Europe and undertake short stays (secondments) to at least two Beneficiary/Partner organisations.

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree or its equivalent
• Be on the date of the recruitment- a doctoral candidate (i.e., not in possession of a doctoral degree)
• Not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date
• Willingness to move countries for DC placement and temporary secondments

Desired Qualification

• Advanced knowledge in one of the following areas: protein engineering, biocatalysis, protein chemistry, molecular biology
• High level of proficiency in written and spoken English (Excellent)
• Strong commitment to hands-on research, driven by scientific curiosity, dependability, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team

We Offer

• 3-year full-time employment contract (salary depends on the country of recruitment, considering both the local and MSCA regulations for DCs)
• Secondments at other labs or industry partners within the B3PO consortium
• Comprehensive and interdisciplinary training in a cutting-edge research field, delivered through collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners
• Structured training program consisting of soft skill courses, targeted workshops, retreats, social events, and networking
• Opportunities for participation in national and international meetings/conferences
  

  Contact

  Graz University of Technology
  Institute for Molecular Biotechnology
  Petersgasse 14
  8010 Graz

  Further information about the B3PO project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101226305