Research assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d) with 67%part-time job limited to 3 years salary grade (Ent[...]

Overview

The Szekeres group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Freie Universität Berlin is a newly established interdisciplinary team seeking a highly motivated, scientifically excellent research associate (doctoral researcher) within the BMFTR NanoMatFutur project “GAGosome”. The aim of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of how engineered glycan-lipid conjugates modulate the structural dynamics and function of lipid nanoparticles with the ultimate goal of enabling targeted drug delivery. A new analytical approach integrating advanced vibrational spectroscopy with other biophysical methods will be developed to probe the dynamic structural and chemical properties of these conjugated lipid membranes.

Responsibilities

• The PhD student will play a central role in the conjugation, characterization, and functional evaluation of glycan-lipid conjugates and the formulation of lipid nanoparticles.
• Design conjugation strategies, formulate conjugated lipid nanoparticles, and perform their structural and chemical characterization.
• Assess how conjugation influences lipid nanoparticle stability and interactions with physiological target molecules.

Requirements

Completed scientific degree (M. Sc. or Diploma) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related subjects.

Desirable

• A very good to good degree is desirable.
• Experience in sugar- and/or lipid chemistry.
• Practical experience in synthesis, particularly conjugation approaches, as well as basic knowledge of separation and analytical methods (e.g., chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR, etc.).
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Interest in biomolecular analytical tools, particularly in vibrational spectroscopy.
• Efficiency, creativity, and a proactivity-driven approach to scientific work.

Application documents

• A one-page motivational letter describing the candidate’s previous experience, scientific interests, and future goals.
• Curriculum vitae (with list of publications if applicable).
• Proof of academic achievements, including copies of B. Sc. and M. Sc. degrees.
• At least two letters of support.