PhD Position - Cryo-EM of Cellular Autophagy

Your Job:

In order to gain a deep structural understanding, we biochemically purify and reconstitute autophagy protein complexes in lipid environments and we visualize them by high-resolution cryo-EM methods. Moreover, we visualize the autophagy process in in situ mammalian cells to understand the role in neurodegeneration. The successful candidate will be embedded in a network of membrane biological research and latest cryo-EM infrastructure.

Your tasks include:

• Investigate protein lipid interactions using biochemical and biophysical methods
  
• Employ advanced imaging methods, including single-particle cryo-EM, electron tomography, correlative light and electron microscopy/tomography (CLEM) as well as associated image processing
  
• Cryo-EM structure determination in vitro and in situ
  

Your Profile:

• Master degree in biochemistry, molecular or cell biology or related field
  
• Strong experimental skills in molecular cell biology experiment design including associated data analysis
  
• Prior knowledge of structural biology and/or light microscopy techniques is of great advantage
  
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• The chance to work at one of the largest research centers in Germany, with excellent scientific equipment and leading European computational resources, located on a green campus, and near the cultural centers Köln, Düsseldorf, and Aachen. The Jülich campus also hosts a vibrant biophysics, bioinformatics and structural biology community
  
• Direct access to high-level cryo-EM infrastructure at the Ernst-Ruska Centre. The facility houses state-of-the-art cryo-microscopes and FIB-SEMs of ThermoFisher Titan Krios, Talos Arctica and Aquilos 2 in the context of unique electron microscopy instrumentation
  
• Working in a dynamic team of researchers with backgrounds in different disciplines across biology, chemistry, physics and informatics to advance cryo-EM methods
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• The opportunity to participate on conferences and project meetings
  
• Continuous professional supervision by your scientific supervisor
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• 30 days of annual leave and an attractive regulation for bridging days
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay is in line with 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.