Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Engineering of Synthetic Binders

31/07/2024

We are hiring: Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Engineering of Synthetic Binders

Deadline: 15.08.2024

Your role
The Geertsma group is interested in understanding the biochemistry underlying diverse cellular processes, such as transepithelial solute transport. As part of this effort, the lab develops methods to quantify and control protein activity at high resolution and in complex environments such as living cells and tissues. To this end, the lab combines insights from structural biology and biochemistry with sensors and single domain antibodies from immune libraries (Ehrnstorfer et al. NSMB 2014; Geertsma et al. NSMB 2015; Gelová et al. JMB 2024) and our own synthetic libraries (Zimmermann et al. Elife 2018, Zimmermann et al., Nat Protoc 2020).

For a highly collaborative research project bridging chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and developmental biology within our Institute, we aim to strengthen our international team with a biochemist who has expertise in protein binder discovery and engineering.

Your qualifications

• We are looking for a highly motivated and creative researcher with experience in antibody discovery, antibody engineering and/or genetic code expansion technologies, and an affinity for antibody-antigen interactions.
• A university and a PhD degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields is required.
• Strong communication skills, good command of spoken and written English, and ability to interact and work with interdisciplinary team members are required.
• We especially value candidates with experience in protein production, cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, affinity measurements, protein stability assays, and antibody functionalization.
• Previous experience in developing new technologies, project management, and/or knowledge of Python would be advantageous.

Our offer

• We offer a diversified job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide
• The full-time position is for an initial period of 3 years.
• Salary is according to TVöD Bund up to E13 based on qualifications and experience.
• Conditions and social benefits of the public service, including 30 days vacation, annual special payment, comprehensive insurance, and an attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees' Retirement Fund)
• Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections
• Positive work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters
• A broad network for career development and training through the Max Planck Society

For further information regarding the scientific tasks, please contact Dr. Eric Geertsma . For initial inquiries regarding employment conditions, please contact Brian von Rueden , Head of Human Resources.

Your application
Please submit your complete application by 15.08.2024 via our online application system stating 2024-Postdoc-SyntheticBinders-2420. Kindly include the following materials:

• cover letter stating your motivation to apply for this position
• CV including publications
• names and contact information for 2 potential references
• short statement of your research accomplishments (<1 page)

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.
• If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung .
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