PhD candidate for protein engineering of genetically encoded small-molecule sensors (f/m/x) 101656

Your mission

Genetically encoded sensors are a major tool to unravel the functioning of life on the cellular level. We are developing sensors for optical imaging methods. Among those, genetically encoded sensors for optoacoustics measurements. Optoacoustics is an emerging field with no tailored genetically encoded sensors, yet, leaving ample of room, to discover, develop and publish. The candidate will focus on engineering chimeric proteins that show a change of photophysics upon binding of small-molecule targets. This change can be exploited in imaging as a readout. The candidate will further explore their mechanisms and drive the proteins towards a use in life-science imaging applications.

The project will use methods like protein-engineering, high-throughput screening, photo-physical and structural characterization of the proteins. Furthermore, lead candidates will be tested in mammalian cell culture and eventually in vivo applications. All work will be conducted in close collaboration with other members of the laboratory and research groups of TUM and Helmholtz Munich that are leading in the respective research areas and methods, e.g., in vivo application or protein structure elucidation. Hence, the position is an exciting interface between protein-engineering, basic photophysical research, development of molecular tools as well as imaging.

Beyond that, the project is part of a large European funded initiative (EIC Pathfinder) to expand the possibilities of life-science in vivo imaging – working together with renowned researchers from the Netherlands, Switzerland and France, that are focusing, for example, on physics (imaging setups) and computational studies (AI based analysis). Hence the successful candidate will not only develop new imaging agents but also function as the linking hub between the partner groups – resulting in truly interdisciplinary work.

Your qualifications

The successful applicant must have the following:

• Strong motivation, scientific curiosity and commitment to scientific excellence
• Master degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics or similar
• Background and hands-on experience in molecular biology (cloning, mutagenesis, etc.) and protein biochemistry (protein-purification, -characterization, western blots, etc.)
• Experience in protein engineering is a strong plus
• Background in fluorescent or chromophore-bearing proteins including an understanding of (protein-) environmental effects on the photophysical properties of chromophores will be appreciated but is not strictly required.
• Interest in imaging and optical spectroscopy techniques
• Team player skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment
• Excellent command of the English language