Postdoctoral Position or Ph.D. student (m/f/d) | Energetics of Biological Systems

 The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, is an institute of the world-renowned Max Planck Society conducting ground-breaking biomedical research at the forefront of science. Currently about 500 employees work at the institute, where half are from abroad, representing 50 nations. The institute has won several prizes for its optimal work conditions and family-friendly environment.

The Rodenfels group at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, has an opening for a Postdoctoral Position or Ph.D. student (m/f/d)
in the Energetics of Biological Systems.

Job description

The Rodenfels group pursues interdisciplinary experimental research at the intersection of cell and developmental biology, metabolism, biochemistry, and physical bioenergetics. We aim to understand how flows of energy, matter, and cellular metabolism shape the behavior of out-of-equilibrium biological systems such as biochemical networks, cells, and developing organisms.

The lab uses calorimetry to quantify the energy exchanged in heat between biological systems and their environment, combined with quantitative (live) imaging, metabolomics, biochemistry, and perturbations. Together, these approaches open up many exciting questions, excellent research opportunities, and freedom to shape a project (see opportunities). We aim to expand our team with molecular and biochemical scale expertise to study energetics and non-equilibrium behavior of biochemical oscillators such as the circadian clock. As a lab, we value enthusiasm, creativity, respect, trust, honesty, collegiality, rigor, humor, and fun in doing science together.

Your qualification

We seek a highly motivated researcher with compatible values, good knowledge of English, an affinity for quantitative analysis, and the knowledge and expertise to complement our team from a molecular and biochemical perspective. Postdoc candidates should have a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and at least one first-author publication. PhD candidates should have a Master of Science (M.Sc) in a relevant discipline. Research activities will involve molecular biology, biochemistry, protein purification, cell extracts, in-vitro reconstitutions, calorimetry, and bioenergetics of non-equilibrium systems. Professional and/or academic experience in related areas would be of advantage.

Our offer

The full-time position is available immediately. Postdocs receive an initial two-year appointment with the possibility of an extension. Ph.D. students are awarded a four-year appointment after a successful evaluation by the International Max Planck Research School for Cell, Developmental, and Systems Biology IMPRS-CellDevoSys. Salary and social benefits will be under the regulations of the German TVöD Bund (salary agreement for public service employees, up to level E13).

Application

The application should include (i) a cover letter indicating the motivation to apply for this position, (ii) a CV, (iii) two letters of recommendation (these can also be emailed directly), or names of potential references, and (iv) a short statement of the candidate’s previous research accomplishments (<1 page). Please submit your application by 15.08.2024 stating the Code 2024-Postdoc-Energetics-2430 via our online application system.

For informal inquiries about the position, please get in touch with Dr. Jonathan Rodenfels via email. For questions about the contract or compensation, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via email.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden
Germany

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
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