PhD Position in Structural Biology (f/m/x)

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position to join the Alderson Lab in the Institute of Structural Biology (STB) at Helmholtz Munich and the Department of Bioscience at TU Munich. The prospective student (f/m/x) will be jointly enrolled in the Helena Graduate School and the Technical University of Munich Graduate School, and upon successful evaluation of the thesis will obtain a PhD degree from TU Munich.

In the Alderson Lab, we aim to understand how proteins in the heat shock and cell death pathways sense and react to stress. Many components of these pathways oligomerize and contain intrinsically disordered regions that lack stable structures. To characterize these dynamic systems, we leverage an integrative structural biology approach that combines NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques. In addition, we deploy AI-based protein structure prediction methods, with recent applications focusing on proteome-level structural bioinformatics.

We are a new and expanding research group that is part of the STB and based at the Bavarian NMR Center on the TUM-Garching Campus. We have access to state-of-the-art structural biology infrastructure, including a 1.2-GHz NMR spectrometer and a 300-kV Titan Krios G4 cryo-electron microscope, as well as outstanding computational resources.

During your thesis research, you will

1. gain expertise with cutting-edge structural biology methods,
2. develop computational biology and data analysis skills,
3. and become proficient in different molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques.

Your tasks

1. Reconstitute biomolecular complexes in vitro using molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
2. Structurally characterize proteins and their complexes using advanced methods, including NMR spectroscopy
3. Molecular modeling with AI-based protein structure prediction methods
4. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and publish your findings in international journals
5. Present your findings at national and international research conferences

Your profile

1. Master\’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computational biology, molecular biology, pharmacy, structural biology or related field
2. Strong interest in structural biology, NMR, and/or intrinsically disordered protein regions
3. Demonstrable experience in molecular biology, protein science, or structural biology
4. Outstanding motivation to participate in a competitive research program
5. English language proficiency, both written and spoken

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Reid Alderson, , who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

1. CV
2. Cover letter
3. Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
4. Contact details for at least two referees

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

Benefits

1. Personal Development: Comprehensive in-house training and development opportunities
2. Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
3. Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
4. International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
5. Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
6. Work-Life-Balance: Flexible working hours and flexi-time models

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