PhD Position in Structural Biology (f/m/x)

102684

Full time
39 hrs./week

Garching

Home Office Options

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position to join the Alderson Lab in the Institute of Structural Biology (STB) at Helmholtz Munich and the Department of Bioscience at TU Munich. The prospective student (f/m/x) will be jointly enrolled in the Helena Graduate School and the Technical University of Munich Graduate School, and upon successful evaluation of the thesis will obtain a PhD degree from TU Munich.

In the Alderson Lab, we aim to understand how proteins in the heat shock and cell death pathways sense and react to stress. Many components of these pathways oligomerize and contain intrinsically disordered regions that lack stable structures. To characterize these dynamic systems, we leverage an integrative structural biology approach that combines NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques. In addition, we deploy AI-based protein structure prediction methods, with recent applications focusing on proteome-level structural bioinformatics.

We are a new and expanding research group that is part of the STB and based at the Bavarian NMR Center on the TUM-Garching Campus. We have access to state-of-the-art structural biology infrastructure, including a 1.2-GHz NMR spectrometer and a 300-kV Titan Krios G4 cryo-electron microscope, as well as outstanding computational resources.

During your thesis research, you will

gain expertise with cutting-edge structural biology methods,
develop computational biology and data analysis skills,
and become proficient in different molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques.

Your tasks

Reconstitute biomolecular complexes in vitro using molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
Structurally characterize proteins and their complexes using advanced methods, including NMR spectroscopy
Molecular modeling with AI-based protein structure prediction methods
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and publish your findings in international journals
Present your findings at national and international research conferences

Your profile

Master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computational biology, molecular biology, pharmacy, structural biology or related field
Strong interest in structural biology, NMR, and/or intrinsically disordered protein regions
Demonstrable experience in molecular biology, protein science, or structural biology
Outstanding motivation to participate in a competitive research program
English language proficiency, both written and spoken

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.

Managing Directors Matthias Tschöp and Mike Frieser: „We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“

Get to know us

Benefits

Scientific Training

Helmholtz Munich Graduate School

Scientific Resources

State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities

International Staff Service

Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Family Support

On-site kindergarten, holiday care, care for the elderly

Career counseling

Career Center for PhD candidates

Health Promotion

Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

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

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Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Reid Alderson, reid.alderson@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

CV
Contact details for at least two referees
Cover letter
CV
Cover letter
Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
Contact details for at least two referees

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.

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.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich