Department of Chemistry
Proteins are dynamic molecular machines, yet how their amino acid sequences encode motions across multiple timescales remains largely unknown. Building on our recent concept of the dynamical content of proteins, this project aims to uncover the fundamental principles linking protein sequence, dynamics, and biological function. To that end, we will develop a high-throughput experimental platform combining automated protein production, deep mutational scanning, ultrafast infrared spectroscopy spanning picoseconds to seconds, and machine learning. By investigating hundreds to thousands of variants of several protein families, we aim to identify how specific sequence elements control protein dynamics. The project is a continuation and combination of our previous work, where the following publications are the most closely related:
- P. J. Heckmeier, J. Ruf, C. Rochereau and P. Hamm, A billion years of evolution manifest in nanosecond protein dynamics, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2024, 121, e[contact details available in the full listing]
- P. Janke, K. Oppelt, J. Helbing, and P. Hamm, Versatile Femtosecond Laser Synchronization for Multiple-Timescale Transient Infrared Spectroscopy 2.0, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 2025, 96,123007
- P. Janke, E. Dorbath, G. Stock and P. Hamm, Universal Structure in the Relaxation of Photoactive Proteins, J. Chem. Phys. 2025, 163, 210902
- R. E. Herzog, I. F. Harvey-Seutcheu, P. Janke, W. Dai, P. M. Fischer, P. Hamm, and P. J. Heckmeier, Bridging Evolution and Design: Mapping Diversity of LOV Photosensors, J. Mol. Biol., 2026, 438, 169599
This interdisciplinary project offers the opportunity to work at the interface of biophysics, laser-based spectroscopy, and machine learning, contributing to a new understanding of protein function and ultimately rational protein design. Several PhD and postdoc positions will become available, with foci on either the biochemistry/biophysics aspect of the project, or the laser-spectroscopic and data-analysis aspect.
Your responsibilities
Integrated in an international research group consisting of a mix of PhD students and postdocs, and of Chemist and Physicist, you will prepare the required proteins, adapt existing experimental instrumentation to the specific needs of the planed experiments, pursue the laser-based spectroscopic measurements, and/or do the data analysis.
Your profile
The successful candidate must hold a Master’s or PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry or a closely related field. Depending on the research interests of a particular candidate, solid knowledge in generating genetic libraries, semi-automated protein production, laser-based spectroscopy and/or bioinformatics are required.
What we offer
We offer excellent research conditions in a brand new laboratory building and state-of-the-art instrumentation, above-average salaries, the high quality of life in the city of Zurich and its surrounding, as well as the possibility to work in fascinating interdisciplinary research fields. Employment start date can be immediately, or upon mutual agreement.
Place of work
Prof. Dr. Peter Hamm
University of Zurich (Irchel Campus)
Department of Chemistry
Winterthurerstrasse 190
8057 Zurich
Group’s website: www.chem.uzh.ch/en/research/groups/hamm.html
Application
Please send your expressive application, including a motivation letter, a CV and copies of degrees including grades as a single PDF file by email to [contact details available in the full listing]. A motivation letter written with AI tools will not be considered.
