Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Genetics of Proteome Remodeling

The research group of Matthias Muhar at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, investigates how cells orchestrate the turnover of the proteome during cell state transitions, such as in response to stress or developmental cues. Their research combines high-throughput genetics, proteomics, stem cell models of differentiation and cell biology approaches. Key questions include how cells regulate global rates of protein turnover, how chemical modifications mark proteins for removal and how mutations in the underlying pathways give rise to developmental disorders. The group offers an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.

We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) to join the team and drive an independent project exploring the regulation of protein turnover during neurogenesis.

Responsibilities

• Drive independent and collaborative research to dissect the regulation of proteome remodeling using genetics and proteomics approaches.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects and publications.
• High‑throughput CRISPR screening for tissue‑specific regulators of protein turnover.
• Building single‑cell assays of global or selective protein stability regulation.
• Metabolic labeling and proteomics to map chemical protein degradation cues.
• Biochemical and cell‑biological studies of client recognition by protein degradation regulators.
• Generating and characterizing organoid‑based models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Present findings at internal meetings and international conferences, and support a positive and collegial team culture.

Essential Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or a related life‑science field.
• Extensive technical expertise in one of the following fields: stem cell biology, cellular neurobiology, proteomics, studies of protein homeostasis, genetic engineering.
• Experience in independently planning and executing scientific projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong motivation, reliability, and ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Commitment to contribute to a mutually supportive and respectful lab culture.

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge and hands‑on expertise in stem cell or organoid culture methods.
• Experience in computational analyses of proteomics or single‑cell sequencing datasets.
• Experience in microscopy and image analysis.
• Effective collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical reasoning and persistence in experimental work.

Benefits

• A full‑time position in a vibrant, international research environment.
• An initial contract of 2 years, with possible extension upon mutual agreement.
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with TVöD Bund (up to EG13, based on experience).
• Attractive public‑sector benefits (30 days annual leave, full social coverage, VBL pension).
• Discounted public‑transport job ticket (VVO) and excellent transport connections.
• Support for work‑life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters.
• A broad network for career development and training through the Max Planck Society.

Equal Opportunity

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.