PhD-student (all gendes) – Protein Biochemistry and MINFLUX Super-Resolution Microscopy

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

The High Resolution and Automated Microscopy department is part of the Fraunhofer Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy TNM, the Göttingen site of the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP.

Our primary focus at the Fraunhofer TNM is on testing, refining, and establishing state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy techniques in the context of biologically and disease-relevant questions. We apply these advanced imaging technologies to clinically meaningful model systems in order to evaluate their robustness, scalability, and added value for translational research. By combining super-resolution microscopy with genome editing and advanced image analysis, we systematically assess how these methods can reveal disease-associated cellular phenotypes at unprecedented spatial resolution.
Working in close collaboration with clinicians and industry partners, our goal is to validate and standardize these technologies so that they become fully implementation-ready for future drug discovery and pharmacological research. Among these approaches, MINFLUX represents a particularly powerful recent development. MINFLUX is a revolutionary microscopy technique that enables unprecedented optical and temporal resolution. Recent research has shown that this method is particularly well suited for analyzing protein motion, for example, in mitochondrial membranes. This project aims to use state-of-the-art 3D MINFLUX tracking to follow singly labeled sparse cargo proteins in living cells and study their transport to and import through the TOM complex.

• Use MINFLUX microscopy to track proteins during their translocation into mitochondria.
• Establish labeling techniques to tag proteins for MINFLUX tracking.
• Isolate proteins and assemble protein complexes in vitro.
• Work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations and research publications.

PhD students have the opportunity to participate in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Candidates will have the possibility to present their work at conferences and publish in scientific journals. Through close cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, our excellence in microscopy, and our interdisciplinary organization, we have access to a broad range of techniques and facilities.

• Master's or equivalent degree in biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Proficient in cell culture, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry; additional knowledge of cell signaling pathways is an advantage
• Proficiency in the English language (written and spoken)
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills
• Motivation, enthusiasm, and a strong interest to work with sophisticated / super-resolution microscopy techniques
• A quick grasp, a structured and independent working style, and strong team spirit

• Involvement in a highly innovative and patient-relevant topic
• High degree of creative freedom and room for own ideas in the project implementation
• Integration into a competent, friendly, and committed team within an excellent research campus
• A collegial work atmosphere
• Flexible working hours in the flexitime model, remote work options, as well as various support measures to balance private life and career
• Excellent professional and personal development opportunities through a variety of internal training programs
• 30 days of vacation entitlement as well as Christmas and New Year's Eve as non-working days
• Personal retirement benefits (VBL) and additional (social) benefits of public service, such as annual special payment
• Capital-forming benefits
• Subsidies for the Germany ticket (Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket)
• Corporate benefits: Offers from well-known manufacturers and brands
• Access to the extensive Fraunhofer network