Doctoral & Postdoctoral Positions in Computational Membrane Biophysics in Erlangen

 

Doctoral & Postdoctoral Positions in Computational Membrane Biophysics in Erlangen

Applications are invited for PhD positions/Postdoc/Senior Postdoc in our lab for theoretical and computational membrane biophysics at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.

Plasma membranes and in general biomembranes establish and maintain differences in composition between the cell or organelle interior and exterior. Biomembranes are the site for cell-cell recognition, they allow active and passive transport of material into and out of the cell, and they harbour proteins as initiators of signal transduction pathways.

Projects address the physico-chemical driving forces for the establishment of membrane domains within the immune cell plasma membrane, and their role for sensing of external signals by immune receptors and signal transduction, as well as membrane remodeling. The aim is to shed light on the cooperative action of proteins and lipids in shaping biomembrane structure.

Central questions for our research are

  • How are external signals sensed by immune cells, how do lipids contribute to signal transfer across the cell membrane, and how do lipids modulate immune cell activation?
  • What is the role of plasma membrane domains in immune cell activation?
  • Can we modulate or control immune cell function by cell membrane composition?

and more general

  • What are the physical driving forces for membrane domain formation?
  • How is domain formation linked to plasma membrane asymmetry?
  • How are plasma membrane asymmetry and biological membrane processes interlinked?

Applicants for doctoral positions:

Candidates should preferably hold a master degree in bio-/physics, theoretical/computational chemistry, life sciences or similar and a strong interest in interdisciplinary projects and collaborations to medical/immunology groups.

 

Postdoc applicants:

The successful applicant has a keen interest and strong skills in methods from statistical and computational physics, in particular atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The project involves close collaboration with immunology groups. The Postdoc will have the opportunity to participate in a research cluster studying the structure and function of immune domains.

Other requirements:

High level of English and good communication skills; effective team working.

Erlangen is a center for immunobiology with more than 70 groups focusing on immunological topics. In addition, since 2021, the University of Erlangen hosts a National High Performance Computing Center (hpc.fau.de) with a focus on atomistic simulations.

Interested candidates should send one pdf document containing a cover letter, CV, and certificates to

Prof. Dr. Rainer Böckmann

Computational Biology

Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

www.biomemphys.nat.fau.de

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Postdoc Position (f/m/d) Machine learning assisted alchemical free energy calculations – from algorithm design to application to biologically challenging systems –

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute
of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from
over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.
The research group for Computational Biomolecular Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Bert de Groot) is inviting
applications for a
Postdoc Position (f/m/d)
Machine learning assisted alchemical free energy calculations
– from algorithm design to application to biologically challenging systems –
Your profile
The successful candidate has a keen interest and strong skills in computational molecular physics,
structural biology, statistical mechanics, and scientific computing, a strong interest in
interdisciplinary research and collaboration with experimental groups. You hold a PhD or equivalent
degree in any of these or a related field.
What we offer
 state of the art on site compute facilities
 a team of 30+ expert colleagues
 a family friendly, green campus with on-site kindergarten
 ample training opportunities
Position details
The position is limited to two years with a possibility of extension. Payment and benefits are based on
the German Public Service Payscale (TVöD Bund) guidelines. The starting date is flexible.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its
workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all
backgrounds.
Application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please submit your application including cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV,
transcripts, and publication record, preferably via E-Mail as a single PDF file to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Research Group “Computational Biomolecular Dynamics”
Prof. Dr. Bert de Groot
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Web: www.mpinat.mpg.de/degroot

PhD Student (f/m/d) – Microtubule nanomechanics and turnover under cell-like physical constraints –

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The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of
exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over
50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.
The Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics is inviting applications for a
PhD Student (f/m/d)
– Microtubule nanomechanics and turnover under cell-like physical constraints –
supervised by Dr. Maxim Igaev. The three-year PhD project involves massively parallel, atomistic and
coarse-grained modeling to study the dynamic and mechanic properties of microtubule filaments subject
to external forces by space constraints or other cellular factors.
Your profile
Eligible candidates have strong basic skills in either or all of the following disciplines: computational
(bio)physics, structural biology, statistical mechanics, and scientific computing. They hold (or expect
to complete soon) a Master’s or equivalent degree in any of these or a related field. A keen interest in
interdisciplinary research and collaboration with experimental groups is preferable.
What we offer
 A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life: on-campus kindergarten places
including vacation care, parent-child offices, etc.;
 Further training opportunities and free in-house language courses;
 Spacious campus cafeteria with a wide range of meals (including vegan/vegetarian ones);
 Health management: free fitness and yoga rooms, sports groups, "active break" courses;
 Initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with a new biotope.
The group language is English, so no German language skills are required – but it is a great opportunity
for you to learn German!
Position Details
Payment and benefits based on the German Public Service (TVöD Bund) guidelines. The starting date
is flexible.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its
workforce and, therefore, encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The
Max Planck Society strives for diversity and gender equality and welcomes applications from all
backgrounds.
Application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please submit your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), a CV
(with a publication list, if applicable), and transcripts (translated in English or German, if applicable)
preferably via e-mail and as a single PDF file to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics
Dr. Maxim Igaev
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Web: https://www.mpinat.mpg.de/grubmueller/microtubules
Information pursuant to Article 13 DS-GVO on the collection and processing of personal data during
the application process can be found on our website below the respective job advertisement

PhD Student or Postdoc (f/m/d) for the project Theory and Algorithms for Structure Determination from Ultrafast Single Molecule X FEL Diffraction and Fluctuation Correlation X-Ray Scattering Experiments

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute
of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees
from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.
The Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics headed by Helmut Grubmüller is
inviting applications for a
PhD Student or Postdoc (f/m/d)
for the project
Theory and Algorithms for Structure Determination from Ultrafast
Single Molecule X FEL Diffraction and Fluctuation Correlation
X-Ray Scattering Experiments
About us
The Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics strives to obtain a first principles
understanding of the molecular motions and mechanisms underlying and enabling biomolecular
recognition and function through atomistic computer simulations, with a particular focus on proteins
and protein complexes. Furthermore, we aim to advance the theory of biomolecular dynamics,
simulation methods, and scalable parallel algorithms.
The goal of this particular research project is to develop Bayesian methods to obtain high-resolution
molecular structures and dynamics from sparse and noisy experimental data.
More details: https://www.mpinat.mpg.de/628848/SM-Ultrafast-XRay-Diffraction
Your profile
The successful candidate has a keen interest and strong skills in theoretical and computational
physics and probability theory and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration
with experimental groups.
PhD candidates hold (or expect to complete soon) a Masters or equivalent degree; Postdocs hold a
PhD or equivalent degree in any of these or a related field.
What we offer
• State of the art on-site compute facilities
• Competitive research in an inspiring, world-class environment
• A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life: on-campus kindergarten
places including vacation care, parent-child offices, etc.
• Further training opportunities and free in-house language courses
The group language is English, so no German language skills are required – but it is a great
opportunity for you to learn German!
Position Details
PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in one of several available PhD programs,
with three years funding, in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Masters students aiming
at a fast track PhD are also welcome. The Postdoc position is limited to two years with a possibility
of extension.
Payment and benefits are based on the German Public Service Payscale (TVöD Bund) guidelines.
The starting date is flexible.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in
its workforce and, therefore, encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The
Max Planck Society strives for diversity and gender equality and welcomes applications from all
backgrounds.
Application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please submit your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), a
CV and transcripts (translated to English or German, if applicable) preferably via e-mail and as a
single PDF file to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics
Prof. Dr. Helmut Grubmüller
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Web: https://www.mpinat.mpg.de/grubmueller

PhD position (m/f/d) in Experimental Molecular Biophysics of Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases (65% TV-L E13, 36 month).

Logo der Freien Universität Berlin

PhD position (m/f/d) in Experimental Molecular Biophysics of Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases (65% TV-L E13, 36 month).

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.

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.

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.

Requirements and Qualifications

Completed scientific university studies (diploma, master) in physics, chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry or in one of the related natural sciences.

We are looking for candidates with:

Experience with vibrational spectroscopic methods and/or atomic force microscopy; handling biological samples (e.g., proteins); willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment; friendly and communicative demeanor; ability to work in a team; structured and independent work; knowledge of English; fun and fascination with science, especially in the field of molecular biophysics.

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.

Selection process

Please contact Dr. Jacek Kozuch if more information is required (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / +49 (0)30 838 64888) or visit the FU Berlin homepage: https://www.fu-berlin.de/universitaet/beruf-karriere/jobs/wiss/20_fb-physik/PH-KO5464-5.html

Applications (including cover letter, CV, certificates, one letter of recommendation as a single PDF) should be sent electronically by e-mail to Dr. Jacek Kozuch: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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