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Our mission as research center: Discover personalized medical solutions for environmentally triggered diseases to promote a healthier society in a rapidly changing world.

The Stiel lab (www.stiel-lab.de, Cell Engineering group) at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at Helmholtz Munich and the Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is looking for a highly qualified and motivated Postdoc (f/m/x) for protein engineering: focus on development of genetically encoded reporters and sensors (indicators) for optical imaging. Genetically encoded reporters and sensors are a major tool to unravel the functioning of life on the cellular level. We are developing such tools for fluorescence, super-resolution and optoacoustics imaging.

The work will be conducted in close collaboration with other laboratories of TUM and Helmholtz Munich as well as interactional collaboration partners that are leading in the respective research areas, e.g. in vivo application, protein structure elucidation or super resolution imaging. Hence, the position is an exciting interface between protein-engineering, basic photophysical research, development of molecular tools as well as imaging. 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. Beyond that the position is a stepping stone towards academic independence since we strongly believe in give orientation and fostering young talents in science.

Postdoc for protein engineering of imaging tools (f/m/x) 102041

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Image Neuherberg near Munich
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Your responsibilities

The candidate will help drive those efforts on all levels including:

  • Drive new developments in the reporter field with a focus on photo-switching reporters
  • Drive new developments in the direction of photo-switching small molecule and ion sensors based primarily on periplasmic binding proteins as receptor moiety (see for example: Mishra, Nature Biotechnology 2022)
  • Protein-structure and photophysical understanding of native and engineered proteins, mainly from the classes of GFP-like proteins, Bacteriophytochromes and Phycobiliproteins
  • Engage and communicate with imaging specialists and instrument developers to advance an integrative development of reporters and sensors as well as dedicated instruments.

The work will be very diverse and include the following methods:

  • protein-engineering (molecular biology, mutagenesis, protein purification)
  • directed evolution / high-throughput screening of photo-physical characteristics
  • structural characterization
  • mammalian cell culture to test lead candidates
  • in vivo application in collaboration with optoacoustic and / or fluorescence super-resolution imaging groups.

Your qualifications

The successful applicant must have the following:

  • Strong motivation, scientific curiosity and commitment to scientific excellence
  • PhD degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics
  • Experience in protein engineering
  • Experience in molecular biology and cell biology
  • Background or strong interest in excited state photophysics and photoisomerization processes will be appreciated as well as understanding of (protein-) environmental effects on the photophysical properties of chromophores
  • Background or strong interest in fluorescent or chromophoric proteins will be appreciated
  • Strong interest in imaging and optical spectroscopy techniques
  • Strong interest in structural biology
  • Team player skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment
  • Excellent command of the English language

What we offer you

work-life balance
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flexible working hours & working-time models
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continuous education and training
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30 days annual leave
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on-site health management service
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Image home office options
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Image company pension scheme
Image discounted public transport ticket

Munich, with its numerous lakes and its vicinity to the Alps, is considered to be one of the cities with the best quality of life worldwide. With its first-class universities and world-leading research institutions it offers an intellectually stimulating environment.

Provided that the prerequisites are fulfilled, a salary level up to E 13 is possible. Social benefits are based on the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD). The position is (initially) limited to 2 years, under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive online application, including your letter of motivation, CV, and academic transcripts of records, preferably in English.

To promote diversity, we welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion and age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we require further documents from you regarding the recognition of the degree. Please request the recognition as early as possible.

Interested?
If you have further questions, simply contact Dr. Andre-Christian Stiel, 089 3187-3972, who will be happy to be of assistance.
Helmholtz Zentrum München
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1

85764 Oberschleißheim

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