Genomic and Environmental Mining of Novel Oxygen-Resistant [FeFe]-Hydrogenases and Engineering of Tailored Variants
The project builds on our research on CbA5H, the [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Clostridium beijerinckii isolated and characterized in our laboratory. Unlike most [FeFe]-hydrogenases, CbA5H shows intrinsic, reversible resistance to oxygen and other oxidants, overcoming a major limitation to their use in bioelectrochemical and catalytic systems despite high turnover rates and low overpotential. Comparative sequence analysis and the exploration of marine and extreme environments will identify enzymes carrying amino acid signatures associated with oxygen resistance. New genomic and metagenomic datasets will broaden sequence diversity and will guide the engineering of chimeric and site-directed variants of oxygen-sensitive hydrogenases. Recombinant production and testing of natural and engineered enzymes will expand the portfolio of robust catalysts for sustainable Hâ‚‚ technologies, highlighting biodiversity as a resource for the energy transition.
Selection process
Per Titoli e Colloquio. Il calendario dei colloqui viene pubblicato sull'Albo d'Ateneo ( https://webapps.unito.it/albo_ateneo/ ) e sul Portale di Ateneo ( https://lavorainateneo.unito.it/index_ir.html?type=SEL_IDR ). I candidati NON riceveranno comunicazione di ammissione al colloquio. La pubblicazione del calendario all'Albo Ufficiale dell'Ateneo equivale a notifica ai sensi di legge per la convocazione al colloquio. La domanda deve essere presentata tramite la procedura online https://pica.cineca.it/unito/sdn-2026-iv - per informazioni: incarichiricerca@unito.it
Mandatory requirement for admission to the selection: italian Laurea Magistrale, or Laurea a Ciclo Unico, or an equivalent degree from foreign Universities, obtained no more than 6 years prior to the application deadline (i.e obtained after 13/10/2020). The Call for Applications (published on the University Bulletin Board under ref. no. 4691 of 21/09/2026), containing the procedures to participate in the selection process and the specific requirements for each selection, is available at https://webapps.unito.it/albo_ateneo/ .