PhD Student (gn*) Biophysics

UKM; Münster; Hybrid; EUR 36.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Pension plan (VBL)

30 days vacation

Training opportunities

Job ticket

Jobrad

Company events

Emergency childcare

Zusammenfassung

UKM is seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the Institute of Molecular Physics and Biophysics and the Center for Soft Nanoscience in Münster. The role focuses on developing and optimizing cryo-CLEM and cryo-ET workflows, data processing, and molecular modelling within the CRC 1748 framework.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in biophysics or related fields, strong English skills, and a passion for in situ structural biology.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in biophysics, cell biology, structural biology, or a related field.
• Excellent spoken and written English; German language skills are advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, systematically and responsibly.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Aufgaben

• Develop workflows for cryo-CLEM.
• Prepare cryo-lamellae for cryo-ET using cryo-FIB milling.
• Process cryo-ET data and optimize workflows.
• Apply image-processing, segmentation, and molecular modelling tools.
• Visualize protein structures with PyMOL/ChimeraX/AlphaFold.
• Discuss results at meetings and contribute to publications.
• Participate in Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre.

Kenntnisse

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master's degree in biophysics/cell biology/structural biology

Tools

PyMOL

ChimeraX

AlphaFold

Jobbeschreibung

Fixed-term for 3 years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institute of Molecular Physics and Biophysics & Center for Soft Nanoscience

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise – ideally with you on board!

The position is located in the research group of C. Gatsogiannis and embedded in the DGF-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC1748 involves scientists of the University, University Hospital, and Max Planck Institute Münster as well as of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development – in both health and disease. To this end, we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural, and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi /genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing and optimizing workflows for cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM)
• Preparing cryo-lamellae for cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) using cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling
• Processing cryo-ET data, including subtomogram averaging, and developing and optimizing computational workflows
• Applying advanced image-processing approaches, performing tomogram segmentation, and conducting molecular modelling and structural analysis
• Visualizing and analyzing protein structures using tools such as PyMOL, ChimeraX, and AlphaFold
• Presenting and discussing research results at scientific meetings and conferences and contributing to scientific publications
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group “Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science”

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in biophysics, cell biology, structural biology, or a related field
• Strong interest in structural biology and in developing and applying cryo-ET methods
• Ability to work independently, systematically, and responsibly
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Excellent spoken and written English; German language skills are advantageous
• Experience in cryo-EM, structural biology, cell biology, or biophysics is advantageous; applications are also welcome from candidates with strong biological or structural training who are motivated to develop expertise in in situ structural workflows

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to TV-L E13, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare
• Summary of your Master‘s thesis (max 1 page)
• Transcript and scanned copies of your degree certificates
• Two letters of recommendation and/or names and contact details of two references

Equal Opportunities:

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our HR policy. UKM supports the compatibility of career and family life and has been certified as a family-conscious employer since 2010. In principle, part-time employment is possible. In areas where women are underrepresented, they will be given preferential consideration in accordance with statutory provisions, provided they have equal qualifications, aptitude, and professional performance. Applicants with severe disabilities will also be given preferential consideration under the same conditions and within the framework of legal regulations.

Further Information:

• Due to the legal requirements of the German Measles Protection Act, employment with us is only possible with full vaccination protection against measles.
  
• We reserve the right to close the selection process as soon as a suitable candidate has been found.
  
• Applications submitted by email or post cannot be considered.
  
• Salary according to TV-L. Classification is based on the assigned responsibilities and qualifications. Placement within the pay scale levels is determined according to relevant professional experience.