Postdoctoral position in structural biology or single-molecule biophysics

Overall description: Molecular machines are proteins that convert chemical energy into conformational changes to carry out work in the cell. Our group studies the structural architectures and dynamics of molecular machines with a focus on chromatin-associated enzymes whose aberrant function or dysregulation is associated with severe disease states. A combination of cryo-EM and single-molecule imaging approaches gives us a unique possibility to decipher the complex regulation of chromatin-associated enzymes and to correlate structural dynamics with function.

Job assignment: We use an innovative approach to characterize the dynamics, structure, and regulation of chromatin-associated protein machines. As part of a project funded by an ERC starting grant, you will either a) develop and apply single-molecule fluorescence imaging methodologies or b) apply structural approaches (cryo-EM and crystallography) with the ultimate goal to describe function and regulation. This assignment comprises experimental design, data acquisition and state-of-the-art data analysis. You will carry out experiments independently but also interact with other members of the team.

Required qualifications: 
• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Physics, or equivalent. 
• Experience with single-molecule biophysics or structural biology (in particular cryo-EM), documented by at least one first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal of high visibility
• Excellent communication skills in English

Desired qualifications: 
• Experience with single-molecule FRET or cryo-EM single-particle reconstructions/crystallography
• Experience with the assembly and purification of nucleosomes
• Proficient in standard biochemistry methods
• Proficient in molecular cloning techniques
• Molecular modeling skills

Your application must include a CV, full publication list, copies of diplomas and certificates, contact details of two references, and a personal letter including a short description of research interests. The application will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Appropriate education and work/research in related fields. Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills. The applicant should be fluent in English as the research is conducted in an international environment.