The research interests of our institute lie in the biosynthesis, biotechnology and ecological function of natural products. The institute is equipped with modern analytical instruments (GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC-DAD, UPLC-MS/MS) and offers excellent facilities for microbial and plant cell and tissue cultures under controlled conditions. In addition, modern basic equipment is available for molecular biology and protein biochemistry work. One of our main focuses is the biosynthesis of a wide variety of plant natural products in different medicinal plants. One well-known and pharmacologically interesting product is hyperforin, a bicyclic polyprenylated acylphlorogucinol derivative found in Hypericum perforatum. Hyperforin contributes to the antidepressant activity of H. perforatum extracts through its broad-band inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake. The biosynthetic pathway of hyperforin has been fully elucidated in our laboratory. Meanwhile, significant progress has been made in engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce polyprenylated benzophenone derivatives. We are now seeking a motivated student of natural sciences (e.g. biology, biotechnology or chemical biology) to work on producing hyperforin in engineered yeast. Molecular biology, analytical techniques, microbiology or biotechnology. Basic molecular biological methods like PCR, plasmid construction etc. Microbiological methods like transformation and cultivation of E coli and S. cerevisiae Heterological expression in S. Cerevisiae Analytical techniques, HPLC The necessary prenyltransferases (PTs) for hyperforin biosynthesis are available. A well-equipped laboratory and an experienced team are waiting for you to join them.