PhD positions in Biophysics (f/m/d)

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) belongs to the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (FVB). The FVB supports seven research institutes in Berlin, which are members of the Leibniz Association and financed by the Federal Republic of Germany and the federal states.

In the Department of Molecular Biophysics headed by Prof. Adam Lange two

PhD positions in Biophysics (f/m/d)

(Ref. 05/20233)

will be available from August 15, 2022. Salary will be paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund). It is a 65% position for doctoral research, initially limited to 3 years with the potential of extension.

Project description:

We investigate membrane protein structure, dynamics, and function by an integrated structural biology approach. For this purpose, we combine data from solid-state NMR with complementary results from cryo-EM, biophysical techniques and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We study for instance selective and non-selective cation channels (Shi et al., Nature Comm 2018; Öster et al., Science Adv 2019; Öster et al., JACS 2022), rhomboid proteases (Shi et al., JACS 2019) and more recently viral proton channels. Furthermore, we develop new methods to determine atomic resolution structures from combining NMR and cryo-EM data (Zinke et al., Nature Comm 2020). The PhD students will have the opportunity to learn how to produce membrane proteins using state-of-the-art methods including cell free expression and to perform NMR experiments on campus in one of the largest NMR facilities world-wide. The latter aspect will benefit tremendously from the installation of a 1.2 GHz NMR spectrometer later this year. Finally, membrane protein structures will be determined using integrated modelling and protein function related to structure and dynamics by dedicated assays. In cooperation with the FMP screening unit we will also set out to identify novel membrane protein inhibitors as starting points for drug development.

Requirements:

Candidates with a background in (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics or related subjects and a strong interest in spectroscopy and/or structural biology are encouraged to apply. Prior knowledge in (membrane) protein expression and purification, NMR spectroscopy, or structure calculation is not required but would be an advantage.

Are you interested?

For further information, please contact Prof. Adam Lange (alange(at)fmp-berlin.de ).

In 2013 the FMP has been awarded the certificate of the audit “Beruf und Familie” as family-friendly employer. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin or religion. We welcome applications of disabled candidates who will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

How to apply: On the FMP homepage please go to “Stellenangebote/Jobs “ and click on this advertisement and then on the button “Online bewerben“. Please combine all application documents (motivation letter, CV, grade reports from high school diploma, bachelor & master degree, as well as contact details of two to three references) into one pdf document and submit them at latest by June 30, 2022.

We look forward to receiving your application!

www.fmp-berlin.de