Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) | Structural bioenergetics

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Structural Bioenergetics

About the Institute: The Max Planck Institute of Biophysics is a leading international research institute that uses biophysical, biochemical and computational methods to investigate the structure, dynamics, and function of cellular systems at the molecular scale. It consists of four scientific departments, multiple research groups and scientific core facilities, with about 300 employees and guests from more than 40 countries. It is located at the Campus Riedberg in Frankfurt am Main.

Job Description: Prof. Dr. Dr. Hartmut Michel’s emeritus group (formerly the Department of Molecular Membrane Biology) seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology. The role focuses on the structure‑function relationship of respiratory terminal oxidases, emphasizing UV‑vis spectroscopy and electron cryo‑microscopy (cryo‑EM). The candidate will work within a team, take personal responsibility for projects, and develop independent research ideas.

Responsibilities

• Production, purification, and downstream optimization of terminal oxidase samples for structural studies via cryo-EM.
• Stable adjustment and spectroscopic characterization of catalytic reaction intermediates and their transitions.
• Single‑particle cryo‑EM sample preparation and data collection using state‑of‑the‑art equipment at our core facility, density determination, interpretation, and model building.

Qualifications

• Outstanding experimentalist with a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics with a strong focus on membrane protein research.
• Hands‑on experience in cryo-EM and spectroscopic methods (UV‑vis, FTIR, Raman, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with molecular biology, biochemistry and budding yeast genetics techniques such as molecular cloning, protein expression, and/or purification.
• Creative, hardworking individual with a strong interest in bioenergetics.
• Proficiency in English (both speaking and writing).

Benefits

• Training on state‑of‑the‑art instruments and analytical methods.
• Interesting and diverse projects in an international lab and research environment.
• Friendly working atmosphere with outstanding, state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure.
• Position with payment according to German TVöD (Collective Wage Agreement for Government Service Workers – Federal Government) with all benefits of the public service.
• Corporate pension plan.
• Extensive scientific and personal training programs, scientific exchange on workshops and conferences.
• Family service (in‑house baby and kids’ room, on‑campus child daycare center).
• Corporate health management (e.g., sports courses).
• Support for the Deutschland‑Job‑Ticket and destination charging at the institute.

Application Process

Send a cover letter (one page maximum), a curriculum vitae, and contact details of 2–3 references via our application portal until 17 November 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

For further questions, contact

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity and is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce. Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are welcome.

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