PhD Position in Single-Molecule Biophysics using Nanopore Trapping

100% / starting Oct 2025 to January 2026 (negotiable)

The Schmid group at the University of Basel invites applications of talented and ambitious candidates for a PhD candidate position in the field of single-molecule biophysics, with a focus on protein trapping and analysis using state-of-the-art nanopore experiments.

About the Project
Our group has pioneered the development of the Nanopore Electro-Osmotic Trap (NEOtrap), a groundbreaking technique that enables label-free trapping and sensing of single proteins in solution for up to hours. Now, we leverage the unique abilities of nanopore trapping to detect proteins and their conformations, dynamics, interactions, catalytic mechanisms etc. in real-time. Building on our published and unpublished work, the successful candidate will advance nanopore trapping in new directions using solid-state and biological nanopores to identify previously inaccessible protein properties with single-molecule resolution, for future applications in biotechnology and biomedical diagnostics.

Your position

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• contribute to next-generation detection tools for protein characterization and fingerprinting.
• design and execute experiments to trap single proteins.
• perform in-depth data analysis and pattern recognition to extract protein properties from electrical current reads.
• engineer new nanopores (solid-state or biological).
• collaborate within an interdisciplinary team of biophysicists, nanotechnologists, and biochemists.
• present your findings at conferences and in high-impact publications.

Your profile

Desired:

• Experience in nanopore and/or other single-molecule experiments and their interpretation
• Coding skills for advanced data analysis, machine learning, kinetic modeling, etc.
• Nanofabrication and/or protein engineering and/or DNA origami expertise.

Required:

• MSc degree in physical- or bio-chemistry, nanoscience, physics, or related fields with excellent grades.
• A driven scientist, highly motivated to learn and apply new single-molecule techniques.
• Excellent experimental problem-solving skills, perseverance, and a strong ambition to grow.
• Strong analytical thinking and expertise in data analysis with own code is a must.
• Independent thinking, a systematic work style, and an honest colleague.
• A friendly team player with excellent communication skills (English speaking & writing).

We value diversity and welcome applications from talented scientists of all backgrounds.

We offer you

• An exciting and fully funded PhD project at the University of Basel, Switzerland.
• Embedding in a productive, interdisciplinary group with an open and interactive lab culture.
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities at the Dept. of Chemistry, the Swiss Nanoscience Institute, and the University of Basel.
• An international and interdisciplinary setting stimulating your professional and personal development.
• A beautiful and very livable city at the intersection of Germany, France, and Switzerland, with wide-ranging sport, leisure and cultural opportunities.

Application / Contact

To apply, please use the online application system, and upload there a single pdf file named [YOURNAME].pdf including:

• Motivation letter, stating how your expertise and training align with the project.
• CV.
• Transcripts.
• Contact details of 2-3 referees (email & phone number).

Deadline: September 20th, 2025.
Contact: sonja.schmid@ unibas.ch
Start Date: Oct 2025 to January 2026 (negotiable)

Are you passionate about pushing the limits of protein biophysics through innovative nanotechnology? Join our dynamic, interdisciplinary team in Basel, Switzerland.

Apply

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