12 PhD Positions in Braunschweig (Germany) “Protein Complex Assembly PROCOMPAS” (TV-L E13, 0.65%)

12 PhD Positions in Braunschweig (Germany)”Protein Complex Assembly PROCOMPAS”
(TV-L E13, 0.65%)

The projects are within the DFG-funded Graduate Research Program GRK2223.
Start of funding is 1st October 2016. All positions are 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 consisting of 11 proteins, and (2) the bacterial electron transporting respirasome consisting of several dozen proteins and a smaller electron transfer model complex. 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 12 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 and super resolution microscopy, advanced spectroscopy, catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Protein complex assembly will be studied in fungal, mammalian, plant and/or bacterial cells.
You will join a young team of researchers led by experienced principal investigators. Supported by a tailored teaching concept our doctoral researchers progress towards independent scientists. The working language is English. 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 (including German language courses) and a mentoring program.

Requirements:

We invite applications from highly qualified and motivated students from biological sciences, chemistry and physics (MSc or similar) preferably with a background in protein studies and a vivid interest in interdisciplinary projects within the field of protein complex assembly.