Job University of Amsterdam (UvA) - Postdoctoral researcher

‘Bifunctional and trifunctional biocatalysts: the use of fused enzymes'

Recently our group has developed a number of enzymatic cascade reactions in one-pot that allowed the synthesis of non-natural chiral carbohydrates starting from a variety of aldehydes and glycerol or dihydroxyaceton. In theses cascades 2 or 3 different enzymes were used. In this project, which is subsidized by the NRSC-Catalysis program 2009-2013, we will use a novel approach to combine the catalytic activities of these enzymes in a single fusion enzyme product that catalyzes consecutive reactions. This approach and pathway offers the possibility of a more efficient and selective way of product formation. The physical association of two enzymes may bring the active sites in close proximity resulting in channeling of the product from the first enzyme to the second and third enzyme rather than random diffusion to the active sites. This substrate channeling may offer maximal transfer efficiency and it may circumvent unfavorable equilibria and kinetics. In this research project a variety of techniques will be used including molecular biology (cloning, expression of active fused enzymes, directed evolution), enzymology (enzyme purification, characterization and kinetics) and analytical techniques (HPLC, NMR, mass spectrometry) to characterize the compounds synthesized.

Tasks

• A PhD in Biochemistry or Chemistry and proven experience with enzymology and molecular biology techniques
• A record of excellence, as proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and academic honors
• Good communication skills in English (oral and written)

Appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of 31 months. The postdoc will be a member of the National Research School Combinations - Catalysis.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam is one of Europe's foremost institutions of higher education and research in its chosen fields of specialization. It plays an active role in international science networks and collaborates with universities and industry. The Faculty has approximately 2,500 students and 1,500 staff members spread over 4 departments and 10 research institutes. Each institute has its own research program, a substantial part of which is externally funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch government, the EU and various private enterprises.

Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Project information can be obtained from Prof. Dr R. Wever, r.wever@uva.nl, 0031 (0)20 525 5110 or visit the web site: http://staff.science.uva.nl/~lhartog/bioc/