PhD Position – Method Development of Cryo-STEM Imaging

Your Job:

In close cooperation with experts in the development of methodologies in multidimensional STEM, new approaches for low-dose imaging at high contrast in Cryo-EM are explored both theoretically and experimentally.

In this project, we aim to further develop the imaging capabilities based on scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) including differential phase contrast as well as ptychography in order to apply them to vitrified biological specimens.

Your tasks in detail

• Develop novel methods for the application of STEM methods to biological specimens
  
• Operate high-resolution electron microscopes with ice-embedded biological samples
  
• Perform image analysis to determine high-resolution cryo-EM structures of ice-embedded test specimens and in situ cellular samples
  
• Employ advanced imaging methods together with an interdisciplinary team of physicists and structural biologists

Your Profile:

• Master degree in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular or cell biology or related field
  
• Strong experimental skills in biophysics, molecular cell biology experiment design including associated data analysis
  
• Prior knowledge of structural biology and/or light/electron 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 (bio)physics, bioinformatics and structural biology community
  
• Direct access to high-level EM infrastructure at the Ernst-Ruska Centre including cryo-microscopes. The facility has been extended with state-of-the-art cryo-microscopes and FIB-SEMs of ThermoFisher Titan Krios, Talos Arctica and Aquilos 2
  
• Access to outstanding wet-lab and sample preparation laboratories at the host institute
  
• Working in a dynamic team of researchers with backgrounds in different disciplines across biology, chemistry, physics and informatics to advance cryo-STEM 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
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  
• 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
  

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.