PhD candidate (f/m/x) - In-cell structural biology and biophysics
Full time39 hrs./week
Neuherberg near Munich
We are Helmholtz Munich. We discover breakthrough solutions for better health in a rapidly changing world.
We improve people's quality of life through excellent research. Why not join us and make a difference?
The Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) founded and funded by Helmholtz Munich stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedical sciences, engineering and digitization. At HPC, top scientific talents from across the globe work together on the development of novel solutions that make a difference in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The Jasnin Lab uses in situ cryo-electron tomography to explore the molecular architecture of actin systems within unperturbed cellular environments, and elucidate the structural principles governing actin functions across scales. Our aim is to understand how actin, a small globular protein, and its associated cytoskeletal proteins can build a spectacular variety of complex filamentous structures inside cells, in order to advance our understanding of cell biology and disease mechanisms.
We explore a diversity of actin structures, including macrophage podosomes, tumor cell invadopodia and the immunological synapse, and develop computational tools for in-cell structural analysis of actin organization. For all these exciting projects, we collaborate with international teams of biologists, biophysicists and biochemists to combine structural, molecular, cellular and theoretical approaches.
Your tasks
- Have a keen interest in electron microscopy (EM), fluorescence microscopy and actin structure and function
- Have a keen interest in learning cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), correlative cryo-focused ion beam milling (cryo-FIB) sample preparation and image processing
- Study actin-based processes critical for health and disease using the cryo-ET workflow, from cell sample preparation and optimization to imaging and data analysis
- Use computational tools for in-cell structural analysis of actin assembly and force generation
Your profile
- Excellent MSc in biology, physics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or related field of science
- Knowledge/experience with EM or other structural biology techniques
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary (combining structural, molecular, cellular and theoretical approaches) and international team of researchers
- Fluency in English
Desirable qualifications
- Experience with cell culture
- Experience with cryo-EM/ET
- Experience with (cryo-)FIB/SEM sample preparation
- Experience with fluorescence microscopy
- Experience with scientific scripting languages (Python and Matlab)
Benefits
- Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
- Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
- Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
- Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
- International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
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 (amounting to 15%) if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference. 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.
Interested in applying?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details of one referee
- Contact details of one referee
