Job Code: 15/24
Job Offer from October 30, 2024
A doctoral student position is available in the Foerderer laboratory in the research project ‘Molecular basis of viral recognition and associated plant signalling’, at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. The project includes state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of proteins involved in resistance of crop plants towards viruses. The protein structure knowledge will be used for crop improvement to generate new cultivars that are equipped for the future challenges in agriculture (climate change). Our recently founded junior group is located at the Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology and part of the Department ‘Root biology and mycorrhiza’ (Prof. Caroline Gutjahr). The MPIMP is an excellent research environment that covers a wide range of modern plant science includingtwoMax-Planck research groupswith focus on plant viruses, an excellenttransformation platformandbioinformatics. For more information on the Foerderer laboratory visit ourwebpage.
Your profile
An MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Biochemistry or a related subject, preferably with a specialization in protein biochemistry, structural biology or plant molecular biology
Molecular biology techniques
Handling of plants (transient expression in tobacco, protoplasts, gene-editing)
Protein expression (insect cell culture, E. coli and tobacco)
Protein biochemistry (SDS PAGE, affinity purification, FPLC, western blot, Co-IP)
Structure biology (crystallography, cryo-EM SPA)
Electron microscopy (TEM)
Bioinformatics (structure prediction and evaluation, CryoSPARC/Relion, Coot, Linux)
Good command of English (oral and written)
Curiosity, a strong motivation to excel in science, and a ‘can-do’ attitude
A collaborative mind-set and good communication skills
Good organizational skills
Our offer
Doctoral student position for three years (plus one), paid according to German public service pay scale (65% E13 TVÖD Bund).
Competent mentoring and additional training events and courses
A stimulating environment in a dynamic, international team of cooperative and motivated scientists
Access to the infrastructure of one of the leading plant science institutes in the world
Working in the Potsdam Science Park and near by the exciting urban area of Berlin
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity and has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Your application
Screening of applications will start immediately on a rolling basis and will continue until a suitable candidate has been identified.
Interested candidates should submit:
CV
Contact information of minimum 2 referees
Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in joining the group and why you are the right person to make progress in the field
Please specify from when you would be able to start
through theonline system.
