PhD Student (f/m/d) | NMR structure of AP-L complex of hIAPP and its effect on fibrils and membranes

Overview

At the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, we bridge the gap between basic research and translational, preclinical approaches. Researchers from biology, chemistry, physics and medicine collaborate across disciplines, supported by high‑performance service facilities and modern research infrastructure. The institute is the largest of the Max Planck Society, with around 1,000 employees from more than 66 nations, offering an inspiring international working environment with exceptional scientific breadth.

Department: NMR‑based Structural Biology (Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger)

Type of Contract: Temporary, Full‑time (39 h per week)

Duration: 28 months in Göttingen, 7 months in Bordeaux, 1 month in Ettlingen (Bruker) – total 36 months. Expected start date: 1 September 2026. Funding: EU Horizon MSCA‑DN 2024.

Responsibilities

The selected PhD candidate will: manage and carry out the assigned research project; participate in the LipAgg training and network activities; take PhD courses; write scientific articles and the PhD thesis; participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings; undertake a research stay at an external laboratory within the LipAgg network; disseminate obtained scientific results. Specific tasks include preparing IAPP–lipid complexes, characterising them by NMR and cryo‑EM, studying fibril formation kinetics, investigating membrane integrity by fluorescence leakage and 2H/31P‑NMR, determining stoichiometry of complexes by photo‑bleaching, and modelling their structure and dynamics.

Qualifications

Ideal candidate: Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, biochemistry or biophysics; solid background or keen interest in NMR structure elucidation and sample preparation of biologically relevant macromolecules; strong motivation, persistence, results‑oriented mindset; capacity to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team; excellent oral and written communication in English; strong organisational and planning abilities.

Eligibility Rules

• The position is subject to the mobility and eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions.
• The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than twelve months during the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
• At recruitment, the candidate must be a Doctoral Candidate in the first five years of their research career and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Funding

The successful candidate will receive a gross salary of 4,768.12 € plus 660 € family allowance if eligible per month, in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers. Salary includes a living allowance of 4,058.12 €, a mobility allowance of 710 € and a family allowance of 660 € if applicable. The funding covers 36 months.

Application

Submit a single PDF file via e‑mail to ausschreibung17‑ before 17 May 2026. Include CV, motivation letter, copy of Master’s degree (or proof of expected completion), master thesis if available, all academic transcripts, and contact information for at least two references.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger, ; Prof. Dr. Lucie Khemtemourian,

Recent Representative Publications

• The Structure of Human IAPP Fibril Structure Reflects Membrane and pH Conditions, V. Singh Mithu, K. Giller, E. Nimerovsky, K. Overkamp, L.B. Andreas, S. Becker, C. Griesinger JACS 147, 28943‑ ) DOI : /jacs.5c06971
• The small molecule inhibitor anle145c thermodynamically traps human islet amyloid peptide in the form of non‑cytotoxic oligomers, S. Manikam, S. Ryazanov, A. Leonov, J. Nicolai, P. Praest, A. Giese, R. Winter, L. Khemtemourian, C. Griesinger, A. J. Killian, Sci Rep. 9, Article Number: ) DOI : /s -z
• The amyloid oligomer modulator anle138b has disease‑modifying effects in a human IAPP transgenic mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (hIAPP Ob/Ob mice), M.M.H. Albariqi, S.M.G. Baauw, S.J.P.J. Fens, S. Versteeg, S. Ryazanov, A. Leonov, H.L.D.M. Willemen, N. Stathonikos, R.M. Seychell, A. El Saghir, L. Khemtemourian, N. Vassallo, A. Giese, N. Eijkelkamp, C. Griesinger, J.W.M. Höppener.
• Khemtemourian L, Fatafta H, Davion B, Lecomte S, Castano S and Strodel B*. Structural dissection of the first events following membrane binding of the islet amyloid polypeptide. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2022, 9, . DOI: /fmolb.
• Khemtemourian L, Antoniciello F, Sahoo BR, Decossas M, Lecomte S and Ramamoorthy A*. Investigation of the effects of two major secretory granules components, insulin and zinc, on human‑IAPP amyloid aggregation and membrane damage. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 2021, 237, . DOI: /j.chemphyslip.

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities. We also aim to increase the number of employees with disabilities. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.