The Max Planck Institutes for Biophysical Chemistry and Experimental Medicine in Göttingen are internationally leading research institutes of exceptional scientific breadth, which will merge in 2022 to become the largest institute of the Max Planck Society. The new institute will comprise more than 40 research groups and employ around 1,000 people from over 50 nations.
The research group Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity (Dr. Sonja Lorenz) invites applications for a position as Postdoc (f/m/d) in the field of Cell biology of ubiquitin ligase complexes.
Our lab aims to understand how ubiquitin − a single, small protein − achieves specificity in regulating virtually all aspects of eukaryotic cell biology. A major key lies in the action of ubiquitin ligases, the most diversified class of enzymes of the ubiquitin system. The immense potential of ubiquitin ligases as therapeutic targets is illustrated by the clinical efficacy of thalidomide and derivatives in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. However, progress towards rationally manipulating these enzymes has been impeded largely by our insufficient understanding of their integration into macromolecular complexes and the associated structural and functional consequences. We aim to identify and characterize macromolecular complexes of ubiquitin ligases to decipher the molecular basis of their specificities in substrate recognition and ubiquitin chain formation. To this end, we combine chemical-biological, biochemical, cell biological, and structural approaches with a particular focus on cryo-electron microscopy.
We have a fully-funded postdoc position available for a talented individual to uncover cellular ubiquitin ligase assemblies implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Your profile
- You have a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant subject area, such as cell and molecular biology, biochemistry or biomedicine.
- You have a proven track record in molecular cloning and cell biology, specifically in one or more of the following techniques: Crispr/Cas9-mediated gene editing, RNA interference, cell fractionation, co-IP, immunofluorescence, and live-cell imaging.
- Additional experience in neuronal cell culture and/or proteomics will be beneficial.
- You are curiosity-driven and eager to interact with biochemists and structural biologists.
- You are passionate about science and keen to establish creative new approaches to tackle challenging protein complexes.
- You are self-motivated and independent, and enjoy being part of an international, multidisciplinary team.
About us
We are an independent research group at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, one of Germany’s premier research campuses with leading-edge infracture in all fields of structural and cell biology. We are a highly international and interdisciplinary team, funded by the Max Planck Society, the German Research foundation, and the EMBO YIP. The historic city of Goettingen, located in the center of Germany, offers great outdoor and cultural opportunities, a bustling student scene, and an impressive scientific heritage.
Position details
The position should be filled as soon as possible, but the exact start date is flexible. The position is initially for 2 years with the possibility of extension. Payment and benefits are based on the TVöD guidelines.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Your application
Please submit your application including cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, transcripts, and publication record by e-mail as a single PDF file to the email address below. Review of applications will begin immediate. Informal inquiries are also welcome.
ausschreibung26-21@mpibpc.mpg.de
Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry
Research Group “Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity”
Dr. Sonja Lorenz
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Twitter: SLorenzLab
Information pursuant to Article 13 DS-GVO on the collection and processing of personal data during the application process can be found on our website below the respective job advertisement.