Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Next-Generation Optical Instruments

Mpi-Cbg; Dresden; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Social security coverage

VBl pension

Discounted public transport ticket (VV

Career development network

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Next-Generation Optical Instruments to lead the design, construction and characterisation of a custom instrument for biophysical studies of transcription factor–DNA interactions.

You will independently plan and perform the associated scientific and technical development work, collaborate across the Grill and Weber Groups, and join a renowned,

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (physics, biology, chemistry or engineering).
• Hands-on experience in designing, building or modifying custom optical systems.
• Experience planning and performing scientific and technical development projects.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong motivation, reliability and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and characterising a custom optical instrument.
• Applying the instrument to biophysical studies of transcription factor–DNA interactions.
• Independently planning and carrying out associated scientific and technical development work.
• Collaborating closely with researchers from Grill and Weber Groups.

Skills

Optical system design

Independent project planning

English language skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in physics/biology/chemistry/engineering

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Quadoa

CAD

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Next-Generation Optical Instruments

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden is an international research institute focusing on cell and developmental biology. Currently, approximately 500 employees from over 50 countries work in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment, bringing together computer scientists, theoretical physicists, mathematicians, engineers, biologists, and medical researchers to conduct groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. The MPI-CBG is known for its flat organizational structure, collegiality, shared resources, equal opportunities, and family support. The institute has twice been voted "Best Place to Work" by The Scientist magazine. The official language of the institute is English.

The Grill and Weber groups are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Next-Generation Optical Instruments

Optical microscopy is an essential tool for studying dynamic biological processes, and the development of novel instrumentation has advanced our understanding of biology over the past few decades. As a postdoctoral researcher in this joint project, you will develop an innovative instrument to study interactions between DNA and transcription factors and elucidate the physical processes underlying the specificity of gene regulation. You will take a leading role in:

• designing, building, and characterising a custom optical instrument
• applying the instrument to biophysical studies of transcription factor–DNA interactions

• independently planning and carrying out the associated scientific and technical development work
• collaborating closely with researchers from both groups in an interdisciplinary environment

Research Environment:

The Weber Group works on Nanoscale Optical Bioimaging, and develops innovative optical microscopy techniques to create new tools for studying biology processes in real time at nanoscale resolution. Our lab approaches scientific challenges by combining ideas from different disciplines at the interface of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.

The Grill Group studies how physical principles shape life. Its current work on genome organisation combines theory, in vitro reconstitution and optical tweezers to investigate collective transcription factor–DNA interactions.

Essential qualifications:

• doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant field, such as physics, biology, chemistry, or engineering
• strong hands-on experience in designing, building, or modifying custom optical systems
• experience in independently planning and performing scientific and technical development projects
• excellent written and spoken English
• ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• strong motivation, reliability, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Desirable skills:

• experience in development, preferably with scanned microscopes, optical tweezers, or related single-molecule instrumentation.
• experience with optical simulation software such as Zemax, CODE V, Quadoa, or equivalent
• experience in scientific or instrument control software development
• experience in computer aided design (CAD)

Our offer:

• a full-time position in a supportive and stimulating working environment in a world-class institute
• an initial contract of 3 years, with the possibility of extension upon mutual agreement
• salary and social benefits (30 days annual leave, full social coverage, VBl pension)
• discounted public-transport job ticket (VVO)
• a broad network for career development and training through the Max Planck Society

For informal inquiries about the position, please get in touch with Dr. Michael Weber via email [e-mail]. For questions about the contract or compensation, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via [e-mail].

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics

Pfotenhauerstr. 108

01307 Dresden, Germany

http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" ("job and family") audit.
• When you submit a job application to MPI-CBG, you are transmitting personal data. Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we collect and process personal data in accordance with Art. 13 of the Datenschutz-Grundverordnung. By submitting your application you confirm that you have taken note of the information in our privacy notice.