PhD Student

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) is a non-university research institute located at the Research Campus Berlin-Buch and conducts basic research in molecular pharmacology. FMP provides a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research and employees from all over the world.

The NeuroCure Research Fellow Dr. Agata Witkowska and Prof. Dr. Volker Haucke (Research Unit Molecular Pharmacology and Cell Biology: Research Section ) are looking for a

PhD Student (f/m/d)

(Ref. 23/2023)

in molecular neuroscience and membrane biophysics. The position is initially funded by the NeuroCure Research Fellowship (to Agata Witkowska, ) and focuses on uncovering mechanisms that control neuronal membrane shaping. During our lifetime, neurons undergo extensive membrane remodeling: starting from neurodevelopment, through synapse formation and, finally, during learning and memory formation. These complex events have to be orchestrated by elaborate signaling cascades, and locally specialized membrane remodeling machineries that are able to couple local intracellular scaffolds. Many neurological disorders such as intellectual disability or schizophrenia are associated with defective membrane remodeling. This project focuses on uncovering the molecular function and interactions at neuronal synapses of selected proteins relevant for human diseases and involved in membrane remodeling. The proposed project will involve functional studies in genome-engineered human stem cell-derived neurons, interactomics, as well as bottom-up approaches with purified proteins and model membrane systems.

The position is to be filled in January 2024 and initially limited to 2 years.

Your profile:

We seek highly motivated, ambitious, and talented young scientists to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment. Successful PhD applicants will hold a MSc degree in a relevant area (e.g. neuroscience, cell biology, biophysics) and have a strong track record of accomplishment. PhD candidates with proven experience in neuron culture, proximity proteomics, microscopy imaging techniques (e.g. confocal light microscopy, STED, STORM, CLEM), or protein purification with membrane biophysics are especially encouraged to apply. All applicants are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills and display a high personal motivation to excel in science. The working language is English.

What we offer:

• An attractive environment in a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere with an excellent infrastructure.
• Compensation in accordance with the public collective bargaining agreement (TVöD Bund) including the usual social benefits, i.e. 30 days of vacation, annual bonus, company pension plan with the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL).
• Work-life balance (certified by Audit Beruf und Familie) as well as flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working.
• Health offers on campus (courses, fitness center, etc.).
• Mobility offers such as job ticket, campus bikes, and Jelbi station on campus.

How to apply:

Please submit your application including a concise statement of research interest, CV, copies of degree certificates, and contact information for two letters of reference as soon as possible but not later than November 1st, 2023.

For further information about the Institute see .

We are looking forward to your application!

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