PhD position for biochemists/ biologists/ biophysicists

PhD project for biochemists, biologists or biophysicists:

Functional and structural characterization of membrane proteins

At the Institute of Physiology in the research group „Ion Channels“ (Prof. Dr. T. Baukrowitz) at Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, Germany, a PhD position is available at the earliest possible. The position is initially available fixed-term for three years. Applicable working time is half of a full-time employee (currently 19,35 hours) with payment of 50% of TV-L E13 under collective bargaining law if in compliance of requirements. Teaching load will be 2 course hours per term.
Project description: The research group „Ion Channels“ is engaged in investigating structure-function-relationships and pharmacological regulation of different ion channel proteins (see Schewe et al., Cell 2016; Bollepalli et al., Structure 2014; Marzian et al., Nat Chem Biol. 2013). Investigations involve standard molecular biology methods as well as biochemical, fluorescence-optical and electrophysiological methods. The PhD project aims at cell-free expression of different ion channels, notably K2P, Kv and Kir channels, and their study in 3D cryo electron microscopy (in cooperation with Prof. Henning Stahlberg in Basel), solid-state NMR (in cooperation with Prof. Adam Lange at FMP Berlin), EPR-spectroscopy (Prof. Marina Bennati at MPI Göttingen) and electrophysiological measurements. In particular, structural changes in these proteins induced by binding of ligands and pharmacological molecules will be investigated.
Quailfication requirements: We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated scientist with a Master degree or a comparable graduation in biology, biochemistry or biophysics. The applicant should have profound experience in molecular biology and protein expression/ protein purification. The ability of independent laboratory work and research of primary literature are prerequesites. Additional knowledge in protein biochemistry and biophysics and a basic understanding of data analysis are welcome.