Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) | Method Development for Structural Biology

Max Planck Society; Dortmund; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Dynamic international team

Training and mentoring

Zusammenfassung

Max Planck Society in Dortmund invites applications for a fully funded postdoctoral position in the Structural Cell Biology group led by Dr. Katerina Naydenova.

The role starts October 2026 and runs for two years, with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and optical microscopy facilities. The successful candidate will design and apply advanced experimental techniques, conduct independent high-level research, and contribute to the project direction within an international team.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in applied physics or structural biology, completed within the last 12 months or imminent.
• Strong experimental skills and creativity in problem-solving.
• Experience in plasma physics, cryogenics, light/electron microscopy, microfabrication, image processing software development, or cryogenic electron tomography.

Aufgaben

• Design and apply advanced experimental techniques to achieve project goals.
• Conduct independent, high-level research and contribute to project direction.
• Solve complex technical challenges using novel approaches.
• Present results, publish scientific work, and maintain records.
• Train team members and establish experimental protocols.
• Contribute to collaborative discussions and group functioning.

Kenntnisse

Cryo-EM

Cryo-ET

Microscopy

Image processing

Independent research

Ausbildung

PhD in applied physics or structural biology

Tools

Cryogenic techniques

Cryo-EM facilities

Jobbeschreibung

Scientist Dortmund

Structural and Cell Biology Physiology Chemistry

Job Code: 18/2026

Job Offer from August 18, 2026

A fully funded postdoctoral position is available in the Structural Cell Biology group led by Dr. Katerina Naydenova at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (Dortmund, Germany). The position is available from October 2026 and is initially limited to 2 years. The successful candidate will join an international team with access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM, cryo-ET and optical microscopy facilities.

Project and responsibilities

• Designing and applying advanced experimental techniques to achieve project goals
• Conducting independent, high-level research and contributing to project direction
• Solving complex technical challenges using novel approaches
• Presenting results, publishing scientific work, and maintaining accurate records
• Training of team members and establishing experimental protocols
• Contributing to collaborative discussions and the overall functioning of the group

Candidate profile

• PhD in applied physics or structural biology (completed within the last 12 months or imminent)
• Strong experimental skills, creativity in problem-solving and interest in biological problems
• Experience in any of the following relevant areas: plasma physics, cryogenics, light and electron microscopy, microfabrication, image processing software development, cryogenic electron tomography
• Proven research track record (publications/preprints)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent communication skills and excitement about all areas of research

What we offer

• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure
• Dynamic young team within a collaborative, international research environment
• Training, mentoring, and career development opportunities

Salary

Compensation follows TVöD BUND guidelines and includes standard benefits equivalent to those in the public sector.

Additional Information

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to diversity and equal opportunity and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Katerina Naydenova ([e-mail]).