Ph.D. students in Biophysics/Structural Biology (m/f/d)

Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP); Berlin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation

Annual bonus

VBL pension plan

Flexible working hours

Job summary

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) invites applications for two PhD student positions in Biophysics/Structural Biology. The successful candidates will study membrane proteins and supramolecular assemblies using solid-state NMR and cryo-EM, with access to top-tier facilities on campus, including a 1.2 GHz NMR and a Titan Krios microscope.

Starting January 2027 for a three-year period, candidates from chemistry, physics or related fields with an interest in

Qualifications

• Background in (bio)chemistry or (bio)physics or related fields.
• Strong interest in structural biology.
• Prior knowledge in membrane protein expression and purification, NMR or cryo-EM is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Learn to produce membrane proteins using cell-free expression.
• Perform solid-state NMR measurements and cryo-EM analyses.
• Work within the FMP infrastructure on structural biology projects.

Skills

Biochemistry background

Biophysics background

Structural biology interest

Membrane protein expression

NMR spectroscopy

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

Cryo-EM

Job description

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) belongs to the „Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V.“, an institution of seven natural sciences research institutes in Berlin funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the association of its federal states. The research institutes belong to the Leibniz association.

The FMP is a non-university research institute that conducts basic research in molecular pharmacology and provides a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research and employees from all over the world.

The FMP Research Unit Molecular Biophysics headed by Prof. Adam Lange is looking for two Ph.D. students in Biophysics/Structural Biology (m/f/d) (Ref. 08/2026).

We investigate the structure, dynamics, and function of membrane proteins (e.g. potassium channels and rhomboid proteases) as well as supramolecular assemblies by an integrated structural biology approach focused on solid-state NMR and cryo-EM (see e.g. Bohg et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026; Qoraj et al., Nat. Commun. 2026; Xiao et al., Sci. Adv. 2026). The PhD students will have the opportunity to learn how to produce membrane proteins using cell-free expression and to perform solid-state NMR as well as cryo-EM. The latter aspects will benefit tremendously from outstanding available infrastructure on campus including a 1.2 GHz NMR spectrometer and a Titan Krios cryo-electron microscope. The positions are initially limited to three years; the expected start date will be in January 2027.

Candidates with a background in (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics or related subjects and a strong interest in structural biology are encouraged to apply. Prior knowledge in (membrane) protein expression and purification, NMR spectroscopy, or cryo-EM is not required but would be an advantage.

What we offer:

• Compensation in accordance with the public collective bargaining agreement (TVöD Bund) including the usual social benefits, i.e. 30 days of vacation, annual bonus, company pension plan with the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL)
• An attractive environment in a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere with an excellent infrastructure
• Work-life balance (certified by Audit Beruf und Familie) as well as flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working
• Health offers on campus (courses, fitness center, etc.)
• Mobility offers such as job ticket, campus bikes and Jelbi station on campus

We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender and welcome applications of disabled candidates. They will be preferred in case of equal qualification. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

For further information about the Institute see www.leibniz-fmp.de. For questions please don’t hesitate to contact Prof. Adam Lange ([e-mail])