10 PhD Positions in Braunschweig (Germany)
"Protein Complex Assembly PROCOMPAS"

(m/f/d)
Start of funding: 1 October 2019
Funded for three years

The project

Protein complex dynamics orchestrate biochemical processes at all stages of life. They are essential to control cellular metabolism, transport, regulation, structure and mobility. Therefore, they are strictly regulated and require factors that ascertain the temporal and spatial ordering of assemblies. Within the Research Program we will study central principles of protein complex assembly systematically using two representative model systems: (1) The eukaryotic molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis complex, and (2) the bacterial electron transporting respirasome. Both types of complexes are of essential importance for the organism and malfunction leads to death. The elucidation of these processes will advance our understanding of e.g. protein-protein interaction, ligand recognition, product-substrate channeling, posttranslational modifications, up to the formation of supramolecular complexes and their spatial positioning within the cell.

The program

The joint Graduate Program of the Technical University of Braunschweig and the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research offers 10 PhD positions that are open for dedicated doctoral researchers to explore protein complex assembly. A broad methodological spectrum will be employed ranging from biochemical and molecular methods, such as advanced cloning and enzyme purification, protein mutagenesis, bioinformatics and systems biology, all kinds of mass spectrometry, diverse kinds of advanced spectroscopy including single molecule spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, proteomics and live cell imaging.

The positions are in in the areas of molecular biochemistry, proteomics, structural biology, bioimaging, advanced spectroscopy, catalysis and biophotonic. Protein complex assembly will be studied in fungal, mammalian, plant and/or bacterial cells.

You will join a passionate team of researchers led by experienced principal investigators. Supported by a tailored teaching concept our doctoral researchers progress towards independent scientists. There are no tuition fees. Salaries are according to the German employment tariff (0.65% TV-L E13). International cooperation is supported by an active guest scientist program. Stays abroad in partner laboratories and the participation in international symposia are part of the curriculum. We offer soft skill courses and a mentoring program.

Requirements

We invite applications from talented and ambitious students preferably with a background in protein studies and a vivid interest in interdisciplinary projects within the field of protein complex assembly. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related discipline. Students of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The language of instruction is English, and applicants are expected to be proficient in this language.

Candidates will be selected on a competitive basis and will be selected without regard to sex, race or nationality.

Information and Application

Please send a CV (including the contact details of two or three references), certificates/transcripts and a letter of motivation to Dr. Dagmar Zwerschke (procompas@tu-braunschweig.de) with the subject title “PROCOMPAS PhD”.

For further questions, feel free to contact Dr. Dagmar Zwerschke (procompas@tu-braunschweig.de).

For further information about the different projects and the program visit

Selected applicants will be invited for a job interview until 28th July. The interview includes an oral presentation of the applicant's previous research and takes place in Braunschweig or via Skype.