PhD Position – Cryo-EM of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes

Your Job:

Mitochondria are organelles involved in multiple cell processes, ranging from energy production (in the form of ATP), to apoptosis and cell signalling. Defects in mitochondrial function result in severe diseases, primarily affecting muscles and brain. The Vercellino group is interested in understanding the assembly mechanism and function of fundamental mitochondrial membrane protein complexes using the locally available state-of-the-art cryo-EM technology as a tool. Please find more about our newly founded group here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/er-c/er-c-3/groups/mito-membrane

As a PhD student in the group, your tasks will be:

• Expression and purification of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes in bacterial and eukaryotic (yeast and mammalian) cell systems
  
• Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the complexes
  
• Cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection and structure determination

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related fields
  
• Strong interest and skills in relevant laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology, biophysics and biochemistry, from the experimental design to the data analysis
  
• Prior experience in structural biology is desired
  
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with team members
  
• Fluent English (written and spoken) is required
  

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 has been extended with state-of-the-art cryo-microscopes and FIB-SEMs of ThermoFisher Titan Krios, Talos Arctica and Aquilos 2
  
• 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
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• 30 days of annual leave as well as an attractive arrangement for bridging days
  

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

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.