Three Postdoctoral Positions at EMBL Hamburg

Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Three Postdoctoral Positions at EMBL Hamburg

EMBL Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy). The main research focus of the EMBL Hamburg Unit is in challenging structural biology. The following fellowships are available in the research group of Matthias Wilmanns.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Structural/Functional Studies on Proteins of the Peroxisomal Proliferation Machinery

Project outline: Proteins Pex11p and Pex25p are critically involved in the proliferation of peroxisomes. We would like to determine the structures of these proteins, possibly in complex with further peroxins, and complement structural work with in‑vivo functional characterization, in cooperation with partners of the EC ITN Network PERFUME (

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Structure of the Complete Pex5p-Pex14p Protein Translocon Complex & Cargo Complexes

Project Outline: To date, the overall structure of the peroxisomal translocon, a multi‑protein component complex across the peroxisomal membrane remains unknown. We aim to determine the structure of the minimal Pex5p-Pex14p protein translocon by a hybrid structural biology approach, including X‑ray crystallography, small‑angle X‑ray scattering, biophysical methods, cross‑linking, and electron microscopy (optional). In collaboration with partners of the peroxisomal network PerTrans we will raise structure‑based hypotheses, to be investigated with a range of functional approaches.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Structure of the Human Peroxisomal PTS2 Receptor in the Presence of Co‑receptors & Cargos

Project Outline: Peroxisomal matrix proteins are recognized by two principle peroxisomal receptors, recognizing protein targets either with a PTS1 or with a PTS2 motif. We are aiming to determine the structure of the human peroxisomal PTS2 receptor in the presence of co‑receptors and cargos. In collaboration with partners of the peroxisomal network PerTrans we will raise structure‑based hypotheses, to be investigated with a range of functional approaches.

Predoctoral Fellowship (jointly with Henry Chapman, CFEL and University of Hamburg)

Project Outline: In situ crystallization in peroxisomes. We would like to explore yeast peroxisomes as a nucleation host for crystallization, leading to novel applications in structural biology. Expertise required: molecular biology, protein expression and purification, biochemistry. Additional expertise would be advantageous: crystallization, structural biology techniques, genetics. The project will provide an opportunity to become acquainted with established and emerging structural methods such as the X‑ray free electron laser, and X‑ray imaging. This PhD thesis research project is part of the Center for Ultrafast Imaging at the University of Hamburg and will be co‑directed by Matthias Wilmanns, EMBL, and Henry Chapman, DESY.