Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) on single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in Berlin is a non-university research institute that conducts basic research in molecular pharmacology and provides a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research and employees from all over the world.

We are looking for a

funded by the ERC, to join the group ‘Integrated Structural Dynamics’ led by Dr. Sigrid Milles. The successful candidate will be in charge to further develop the custom confocal single molecule fluorescence spectrometer of the group, characterize its spectroscopic properties and study intrinsically disordered proteins by single molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). The position is initially limited to 1 year with the potential for extension.

The Milles lab (https://www.leibniz-fmp.de/milles ) uses and develops integrated single molecule fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy approaches to study intrinsically disordered proteins with the aim of understanding the conformational dynamics regulating the early phases of clathrin mediated endocytosis, the major pathway for molecule import into the eukaryotic cell. The group is particularly interested to decipher and characterize the interactions at play and relate their characteristics to liquid-liquid phase separation as well as function within the cell.

Your profile:

We seek highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientists to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment to perform research. The successful candidates should have a PhD in physics/biophysics or a related discipline, a solid background in fluorescence applications or instrumentation of optical setups.

We offer:

• An attractive environment in a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere with an excellent infrastructure
• Compensation in accordance with the public collective bargaining agreement (TVöD Bund) including the usual social benefits, i.e. 30 days of vacation, annual bonus, company pension plan with the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL)
• In-house support for Fellowship applications
• Work-life balance (certified by Audit Beruf und Familie) as well as flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working
• Health offers on campus (courses, fitness center, etc.)
• Mobility offers such as job ticket, campus bikes and Jelbi station on campus

In 2013 the institute has been awarded the certificate of the audit “Beruf und Familie” as family-friendly employer. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender and welcome applications of disabled candidates. They will be preferred in case of equal qualification. We offer assistance in finding childcare on the campus.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Sigrid Milles; e-mail: milles(at)fmp-berlin.de .   

Homepage FMP: http://www.fmp-berlin.de  

How to apply?

On the FMP homepage please go to “Stellenangebote/Jobs ” and click first on this advertisement and then on the button “Online bewerben”. Please combine your application documents including motivation letter, CV, contact information for three letters of reference and copies of degree certificates.

The advertisement is open with immediate effect and will remain open until the postion will be filled.

We are looking forward to your application!

Relevant publications:

Naudi-Fabra S, Tengo M, Jensen MR, Blackledge M, Milles S.: Quantitative Description of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Using Single-Molecule FRET, NMR, and SAXS. J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Dec 8 ;143(48):20109-20121

Guseva S, Milles S, Jensen MR, Salvi N, Kleman JP, Maurin D, Ruigrok RWH, Blackledge M.: Measles virus nucleo- and phosphoproteins form liquid-like phase-separated compartments that promote nucleocapsid assembly. Sci Adv. 2020 Apr 1 ;6(14):eaaz7095

Milles S, Jensen MR, Lazert C, Guseva S, Ivashchenko S, Communie G, Maurin D, Gerlier D, Ruigrok RWH, Blackledge M.: An ultraweak interaction in the intrinsically disordered replication machinery is essential for measles virus function. Sci Adv. 2018 Aug 22 ;4(8):eaat7778

Milles S, Mercadante D, Aramburu IV, Jensen MR, Banterle N, Koehler C, Tyagi S, Clarke J, Shammas SL, Blackledge M, Gräter F, Lemke EA.: Plasticity of an ultrafast interaction between nucleoporins and nuclear transport receptors. Cell. 2015 Oct 22 ;163(3):734-45

Delaforge E, Milles S, Bouvignies G, Bouvier D, Boivin S, Salvi N, Maurin D, Martel A, Round A, Lemke EA, Jensen MR, Hart DJ, Blackledge M.: Large-Scale Conformational Dynamics Control H5N1 Influenza Polymerase PB2 Binding to Importin α. J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Dec 9 ;137(48):15122-34.

Milles S, Lemke EA.: Mapping multivalency and differential affinities within large intrinsically disordered protein complexes with segmental motion analysis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2014 Jul 7 ;53(28):7364-7.