Ph.D. student or Postdoc (m/f/x): Photophyscis and protein-engineering of fluorescent proteins

Overview

We are looking for a candidate (m/f/x) who will use the combination of spectroscopy infrastructure and structural information of the proteins to advance photophysical research on photoswitching proteins developed in the laboratory.

The lab

The Stiel Lab is one of the laboratories at the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging in the Department of Bioengineering at Helmholtz Munich. Our group focuses on the development and application of genetically encoded agents for photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. We use protein engineering to develop agents based on research into their photophysical properties and structure–function relationships. We drive the development of screening, spectroscopy, and imaging instruments to complement our molecular tools. One main topic is photoswitching proteins whose photophysical properties (e.g., on/off fluorescence emission) can be toggled by illumination with specific wavelengths.

The job

The photophysical characteristics (photoswitching behavior, brightness, absorptions, etc.) of the proteins we develop depend on the amino acid surrounding the chromophore. This is studied by time-resolved absorption, emission, and photoacoustic spectroscopy of protein variants. The work focuses on GFP-like and Bacteriophytochrome-like proteins. The advertised position seeks to complement the protein-engineering driven work in the lab with photophysical mechanistic studies. To this end the candidate will use the combination of our spectroscopy infrastructure and structural information of the proteins to advance the photophysical research on photoswitching proteins developed in the laboratory.

The candidate will operate at the interface of protein-engineered variants (molecular biology, protein biochemistry), structural understanding (structural biology) and photophysical studies (biophysics).

We Seek For The Following Capabilities

• PhD or Master in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or related topics.
• Photophysical expertise, preferably regarding chromophores in proteins.
• Experience in time-resolved absorption, fluorescence, and/or photoacoustic spectroscopy.
• Biophysics education and mindset, especially openness to routine use and adaptation of custom-build screening and spectroscopy technologies (i.e. optical hardware).
• Molecular biology / protein biochemistry expertise.
• Experience in analyzing protein structural data (not necessarily acquiring the data).
• Having already worked with GFP-like or Bacteriophytochrome-like proteins is advantageous.
• Experience in seeking to understand (protein) environmental effects on the photophysical properties of chromophores is advantageous.
• Passion and drive for an academic career.
• High motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence.
• Team-player skills and enthusiasm to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Excellent command of the English language.

Our Offer

Helmholtz Munich is an internationally recognized top research institution offering a creative and stimulating work environment. With research bridging physics and engineering with chemistry, biology and medicine there are highly diverse opportunities to innovate, collaborate and excel. We support career development, continuing education and teaching and training opportunities. Munich is one of the most attractive and innovative major cities in Germany and a place of scientific excellence and interaction, hosting several of Germany’s top universities and research institutions in addition to the Helmholtz Zentrum München (e.g., TUM, LMU, Max Planck institutes). Situated at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is famous for its high quality of life. The contract will initially be limited to 2 or 3 years with the possibility for further extension. Salary is commensurate with work experience and seniority (TV EntgO Bund EG13 (Postdoc) or EG13 – 60% (PhD student).

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your Application

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents including your letter of motivation, CV, and credentials in a single pdf file via email to André C. Stiel. Thank you for indicating “Post-doc / Ph.D. student - photophysics” in the subject line.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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