PhD Student (f/m/d) | Structural characterisation of α-Synuclein-lipid complexes

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

Department of NMR-based Structural Biology (Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger) is inviting applications as follows:

Organisation & Position Details

• Organisation / University: Max Planck Society / University of Göttingen
• Research Field: Biochemistry – Biophysics
• Researcher Profile: First-stage researcher (R1)
• Application Deadline: 17/05/ :00 Europe/Brussels
• Locations: Göttingen - Germany (29 months) | Copenhagen - Denmark (6 months) | Ettlingen – Germany (1 month)
• Type of contract: Temporary
• Job Status: Full-time
• Hours per week: 39
• Offer Starting Date: 01/09/2026
• EU Research Framework Programme: HORIZON-MCSA-2024-DN
• Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number:
• Project: LipAgg Doctoral Network
• Involved Company: Bruker -

Project Background

The LipAgg project seeks to unravel the structural complexities of amyloid protein‑lipid aggregates and investigate their role in pathological aggregation, cellular toxicity, and intercellular spread. Focusing on key human amyloid proteins—amylin (IAPP), amyloid beta (Aβ), and α‑synuclein (αS)—linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), respectively, the project builds on recent discoveries made by the consortium. These findings highlight the critical role of free lipids in membrane damage through the formation of stable lipid‑amyloidogenic protein complexes, leading to the lipid‑chaperone hypothesis.

Objectives

This project aims at establishing a reproducible protocol to generate α‑Synuclein‑lipid complexes made from recombinant α‑Synuclein and near‑physiological vesicle preparations, the characterisation of their stability using FIDA/Prometheus and their structure at the near‑atomic resolution using solid‑state NMR.

Responsibilities

• Manage and carry out the assigned research project
• Participate in the LipAgg training and network activities
• Take PhD courses and write scientific articles and the PhD thesis
• Participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings
• Undertake a research stay at an external research laboratory within the LipAgg network
• Disseminate the obtained scientific results
• Determine the structure of α‑Synuclein‑lipid complexes by NMR spectroscopy in combination with photo‑bleaching to establish the stoichiometry of the complexes and molecular dynamics
• Establish protocols to prepare physiologically relevant particles using cellular starting material
• Study the influence of aggregation modulators on the structure of the α‑Synuclein‑lipid complexes
• Enroll at the University of Göttingen in the Gauss program and work at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger for structure determination aspects (29 months)
• Conduct a 6‑month secondment at the University of Copenhagen where preparation of near‑physiological α‑Synuclein‑lipid complexes is optimised under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Celine Galvagnion
• Carry out a 1‑month secondment at Bruker in Ettlingen, Germany to work with and learn about the latest developments at Bruker

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, biochemistry or biophysics
• Solid background or keen interest in structure elucidation by NMR and preparation of biologically relevant samples
• Enthusiasm for tackling new scientific challenges and a results‑oriented mindset
• Strong motivation, persistence, and ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong organisational and planning abilities

Eligibility Rules

This position is subject to the mobility and eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions. In particular, 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 the date of recruitment, the candidate must be a Doctoral Candidate, i.e. in the first five years (full‑time equivalent research experience) of their research career and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Funding

The successful candidates 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. The net salary depends on local tax regulations. The salary includes a living allowance of 4,058.12€, a mobility allowance of 710€, and a family allowance of 660€ if applicable. The PhD funding is for 36 months.

Required Documents

• CV – including methodological skills
• Motivation letter
• Copy of Master’s degree (or proof of expected completion)
• Master's thesis (if available)
• All academic transcripts
• Contact information for at least two references

Contact Information

To get more details please write to and

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to being a cosmopolitan institute that offers a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities. We also aim to increase the number of employees with disabilities. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Application

Please submit your application until 17th May 2026 preferably via e‑mail and as a single PDF file to:
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Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of NMR‑based Structural Biology
Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany