Research Position in Cryo-EM

FWF; Wien; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Querques lab at Max Perutz Labs in Vienna seeks an experienced researcher with hands-on cryo-EM expertise to join our team. We study how mobile genetic elements move and remodel genomes, combining structural biology with biochemistry, biophysics, and genome editing.

You will contribute to structural biology projects, develop and implement cryo-EM workflows with available facilities, and possibly lead an independent project depending on your background and interests.

Qualifications

• Hands-on cryo-EM required, with practical experience across workflows.
• Experience in grid preparation, data collection, processing and structure determination is essential.
• Background in protein biochemistry or RNA biology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to structural biology projects and collaborate with team members.
• Develop and implement cryo-EM workflows using available facilities.
• Potential to lead an independent project depending on background and interests.

Skills

Cryo-EM expertise

Grid prep

Data collection

Image processing

Structure determination

Protein biochemistry

Structural biology

RNA biology

Education

PhD in cryo-EM or related field

Tools

Cryo-EM equipment

Job description

About the Querques lab

The Querques Lab is looking for an experienced researcher to join our team at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong practical background in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which mobile genetic elements (MGEs) move between and within genomes. We aim to explore their biological impact on genome remodeling and leverage this knowledge to develop new tools for genome engineering. Our research integrates structural biology with a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and biotechnological approaches, including cell-based assays, protein design, and genome editing experiments.

For further details about the Querques lab, please visit https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/querques.

Candidate Profile

The position is open to candidates with different levels of training and professional experience. We are looking primarily for demonstrated hands-on experience in cryo-EM, rather than for a specific academic qualification or career stage. Candidates should have substantial practical experience in cryo-EM and a demonstrated track record in the field. Relevant experience may include a PhD involving cryo-EM research, significant contributions to cryo-EM publications, or extensive hands-on experience gained in academic research, a cryo-EM facility, or industry.

Candidates are expected to have hands-on experience in all of the following:

• Cryo-EM sample preparation and grid optimization
• Grid screening and data collection
• Cryo-EM image processing and structure determination

Additional experience in protein biochemistry and structural biology would be valuable. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working with nucleic acid-protein complexes and/or RNA biology.

We are looking for someone who can work independently, is proactive and eager to learn, and enjoys working collaboratively within a research team.

Your Role

The successful candidate will contribute to structural biology projects across the lab, working closely with other team members on the structural characterization of the molecular systems we study. An important part of the role will be to develop and implement cryo-EM workflows for projects in the lab, in close collaboration with the available cryo-EM facilities. The exact scope of the role will depend on the candidate’s background and experience. This may include contributing cryo-EM expertise to collaborative projects within the lab as well as, where appropriate, developing and leading an independent research project.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will join an international and collaborative research environment at the Max Perutz Labs and Vienna BioCenter in Vienna, with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for structural and molecular biology. We offer a full-time position, available immediately, with an initial appointment of two years and the possibility of extension. The exact position, responsibilities and level of appointment will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. Depending on the classification, the position will be remunerated in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Staff. For a position in general staff, the minimum gross monthly salary is currently EUR 3.131,30 (classification IIIb, 14 instalments per year). For a post-doctoral scientific staff position, the minimum gross monthly salary is currently EUR 5.014,30 (classification B1, 14 instalments per year). The actual salary may be higher depending on relevant qualifications and previous experience.

About the Max Perutz Labs

The Max Perutz Labs are a research institute established by the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna to provide an environment for excellent, internationally recognized research and education in the field of Molecular Biology. Dedicated to a mechanistic understanding of fundamental biomedical processes, scientists at the Max Perutz Labs aim to link breakthroughs in basic research to advances in human health. The Max Perutz Labs (www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at) are located at the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s hotspots for the Life Sciences, and host to around 50 research groups, involving more than 450 scientists and staff from 40 nations.