Assistant professor for ERC Starting Grant in Biochemistry 100 %

Join a Dynamic Team at the University of Zurich

The University of Zurich (UZH) is renowned for offering a diverse array of compelling roles across various disciplines within its thriving academic community. As Switzerland's largest university, housing approximately 10,000 employees and featuring 12 professional apprenticeship streams, UZH prides itself on fostering an inspiring work environment that stands at the forefront of research and education.

Department Overview

Candidates selected for these positions will play a pivotal role in enhancing the department's initiatives within the realms of molecular and cellular biochemistry and biophysics. Individuals with a keen interest in computational methodologies to tackle complex biomolecular problems are particularly encouraged to explore this opportunity.

Eligibility and Experience

Applicants are expected to possess a PhD-equivalent degree complemented by postdoctoral experience and a distinguished scientific record. The Department of Biochemistry emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, coalescing structural biology, biophysics, and computational sciences with various biomedical fields such as molecular and cell biology, physiology, and pharmacology.

Research Focus

Known for its vibrant research directions, the department actively investigates areas including:

• Protein engineering
• Computational biochemistry
• Membrane protein biophysics
• Single-molecule spectroscopy
• Cryo-electron tomography
• Genome editing
• Molecular systems biology

With access to cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, including advanced cryo-electron microscopy and computational resources, UZH offers an excellent platform for pioneering biomolecular research and collaboration.

Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Biochemistry values diversity and is an equal opportunities employer, actively seeking to enhance the representation of women in scientific leadership roles.

Required Application Documents

Interested candidates are invited to prepare a single PDF file containing the following documents:

• Motivation Letter: Maximum 2 pages
• Curriculum Vitae: Maximum 3 pages, including:
• Education and academic experience
• Net academic age (2-7 years of experience post-PhD)
• Awards, fellowships, and third-party funding achievements
• Research Plan, Publication List, and Teaching Statement: Maximum 5 pages
• Outline of planned research projects and relevant publications
• List of publications
• Teaching portfolio and details on student supervision (if applicable)
• Reference Letters: Two letters should be arranged to be sent directly to the relevant contact.

Important Dates

The deadline for submitting applications is June 18th, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for online interviews at the end of June or beginning of July. Please note that the call for ERC Starting Grant applications is currently open, with a submission deadline of October 14, 2026. The anticipated start date for the successful candidates is early 2028.

Explore the potential to innovate and contribute to a leading scientific community at UZH!