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

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) are an integrated, multi-disciplinary research structure and form the cornerstone of a rapidly expanding bioengineering ecosystem in Munich, Germany. IBMI scientists develop next-generation imaging and sensing methods to measure previously inaccessible properties of living systems, hence, catalyzing breakthroughs in biology, medicine and the environment.

We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated Ph.D. candidate (f/m/x) for protein engineering: focus on development of genetically encoded sensors.

PhD candidate for protein engineering of imaging tools (f/m/x) 101563

Full time

Neuherberg near Munich

PhD

Your mission

Genetically encoded sensors are a major tool to unravel the functioning of life on the cellular level. We are developing dedicated genetically encoded sensors for optoacoustics measurements.

The candidate will focus on engineering chimeric proteins that show a small-molecule binding dependent change of photophysics. The candidate will further explore and exploit their intricate and exciting mechanisms and driving such proteins towards a use in life-science imaging applications.

The projects will be very divers and include methods from protein-engineering and high-throughput screening over photo-physical and structural characterization to mammalian cell culture and eventually in vivo application. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with other laboratories of the Technical University Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Munich that are leading in the respective research areas, 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 larger European funded initiative to expand the possibilities of life-science in vivo imaging – working together with renowned researchers from the Netherlands, Switzerland and France, 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 in an international team.

Your qualifications

The successful applicant must have the following:

Master degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics
Experience in protein engineering
Strong motivation, resilience, scientific curiosity and commitment to scientific excellence
Background in molecular biology and cell biology
Background 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 in fluorescent or chromophoric proteins will be appreciated
Strong 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

What we offer you

scientific training at HELENA Graduate School
work-life balance
flexible working hours & time off in lieu
30 days annual leave
on-site health management service

	career consultation
	mobile work
	on-site nursery
	company pension scheme
	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.

This position also provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge and collect significant professional experience, both of which will help advance your scientific career.

Remuneration and social benefits are based on the collective wage agreement for public-sector employees at federal level (EG 13 65% TV EntgO Bund). The position is (initially) limited to three years, but under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.

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.

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

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