PhD Position - Cryo-EM of membrane remodeling proteins

Your Job:

For the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons under the direction of Prof. Sachse, you will be working on cryo-EM studies of membrane remodelling proteins in the field of Structural Biology at our institute. The Sachse lab recently determined a series of cryo-EM structures of bacterial as well as eukaryotic members of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) protein family. In order to gain a deep structural understanding, we biochemically purify and reconstitute ESCRT protein complexes in lipid environments and visualize them by cryo-EM methods. You will be working in a network of membrane biological research and latest cryo-EM infrastructure.

• Investigate protein lipid interactions using biochemical and biophysical methods
  
• Employ advanced imaging methods, including single-particle cryo-EM, electron tomography, correlative light and electron microscopy/tomography (CLEM) as well as associated image processing.
  
• Cryo-EM structure determination in vitro and in situ

Your Profile:

• Master degree in biochemistry, molecular or cell biology or related field.
  
• Strong experimental skills in molecular cell biology experiment design including associated data analysis
  
• Prior knowledge of structural biology and/or light microscopy techniques is of great advantage
  
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team
  
• Fluent command of written and spoken English, German language skills are welcome but not essential
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer:

• The chance to work at one of the largest research centers in Germany, with excellent scientific equipment and leading European computational resources, located on a green campus, and near the cultural centers Köln, Düsseldorf, and Aachen. The Jülich campus also hosts a vibrant biophysics, bioinformatics and structural biology community.
  
• Direct access to high-level cryo-EM infrastructure at the Ernst-Ruska Centre. The facility has been extended with state-of-the-art cryo-microscopes and FIB-SEMs of ThermoFisher Titan Krios, Talos Arctica and Aquilos 2.
  
• Working in a dynamic team of researchers with backgrounds in different disciplines across biology, chemistry, physics and informatics to advance cryo-EM methods
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Pay is in line with 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.