PhD position (m/f/d) in Experimental Molecular Biophysics of protein folding and misfolding in...

The Kozuch group investigates the function of biomedically relevant (membrane) proteins with a special focus on electrostatic interactions that shape the formation of functional motifs. The methodological approach is based on a combination of (nanoscopic) vibrational spectroscopy supplemented by the use of model membrane systems, biochemical methods and computer-aided simulations. After completing his doctoral thesis in biophysical chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin, Dr. Jacek Kozuch did research as a postdoc at Stanford University (USA) and is now a junior research group leader within Experimental Molecular Biophysics at Freie Universität Berlin and the new building for research into supramolecular functional architectures at biointerfaces.

We offer:

• the opportunity for a PhD within the stimulating, interdisciplinary and international environment of Freie Universität Berlin,

• the entry into fascinating and biomedically relevant topics of molecular Biophysics,

• the use and further development of modern vibrational spectroscopic methods.

This DFG-funded project aims to research how specific interactions with membranes for folding or misfolding of, e.g., β-amyloid or islet amyloid polypeptide can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. For this purpose, surface-enhanced (SEIRAS) and AFM-based nano-infrared spectroscopy (nanoIR) in combination with model membrane systems will be used to track folding trajectories and control them through various boundary conditions.

The area of ​​responsibility includes:

• the independent conduction of this scientific project,

• the biochemical preparation of protein/peptide samples and the construction of membrane model systems,

• the implementation of nanoscopic and surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy measurements,

• participation in international conferences.