PhD candidate - Protein-Tech (f/m/x)
Full time
Neuherberg near Munich
We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.
Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.
Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.
This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?
The lab
The Stiel lab (Stiel-lab.de or cellengineering.munichimaging.eu) is one of CBI’s 11 inter-disciplinary laboratories and focuses on the development of genetically encoded agents, analysis schemes and applications primarily for optoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. We use protein engineering to develop agents based on our research in photophysics and structure-function relationships. These agents are employed on the level of single mammalian cells as well as whole organisms. Specialized analysis algorithms facilitate the agents’ sensitive detection deep in tissue. Finally, we advance specialized screening, spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation to complement our molecular tools.
The project
Photoswitching small molecule sensors can be used to unravel the distribution of small molecules at the nanoscale or whole animals (Mishra, Nature Biotechnology, 2022) or to readout exact molecule concentrations from cells (Bierbuesse, Nature Communication, 2022). The project seeks to advance these concepts aiming at new analytes but also new sensor building concepts. Fundamentally, development of such sensors combines protein engineering of chimeras with a focus on translating the binding of the analyte to a measurable photophysical changes – here photoswitching characteristics. The project will use techniques of protein engineering (molecular biology, mutagenesis, protein purification etc.) but also requires routine use and adaption of custom-build screening and spectroscopy technologies (i.e. optical hardware).
"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."
Your tasks
The work entails multiple aspects:
- Work with protein structures in conceptualizing the protein engineering efforts and constantly assessing the impact of potentially beneficial changes during the engineering process. This can include elucidation of new structures in collaboration with a structure biology team on campus.
- Build the constructs and create variant libraries using molecular biology techniques including targeted and random mutagenesis.
- Screen libraries using custom build setups.
- Maintain and advance the screening setup for the needs of the project as it develops. This includes work with laser sources, optical devices, cameras and data acquisition devices.
- Characterize lead candidates by purifying protein and characterizing with diverse methods of optical spectroscopy.
- Test lead candidates in mammalian cell culture. Depending on background and project direction in collaboration or on your own.
Your profile
Towards this goal, we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated protein biochemist PhD student (f/m/x) with a background and passion for protein engineering who also does not shy away from technical equipment handling:
- Master in biochemistry, biophysics, biology or related disciplines
- Experience with protein-biochemistry
- Preferable in the context of protein engineering
- Prior experience with handling optical equipment, e.g. custom microscopes, spectroscopy devices etc.
- Prior experience or strong interest and vocation in coding to solve practical low-level questions of data analysis in imaging or spectroscopy (e.g. python or Matlab)
- Interest in bio(medical) imaging
- Interest in photophysical phenomena
- Team player skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment
- Excellent command of the English language
- High motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence
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 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 for at least two referees
