Research assistant (postdoc) (f/m/d)

Freie Universität Berlin; Berlin; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Szekeres group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Freie Universität Berlin is seeking a highly motivated research assistant (postdoc) to develop an ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopic setup and integrate it with other biophysical methods to probe lipid membranes and their interactions.

The postdoc will build and optimize femtosecond optical modules, perform diagnostics, and apply the setup to study dynamic biomolecular processes, while mentoring students in a collaborative

Qualifications

• Completed university degree (Master's/Diploma) and a doctorate (PhD or equivalent) in Biophysics, Physics, or equivalent with focus on ultrafast optical setup construction.
• Experience in biophysical spectroscopy and related equipment.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Responsibilities

• Construct and operate a nonlinear ultrafast spectroscopic setup for biophysical experiments.
• Design and implement femtosecond optical modules and diagnostics.
• Apply the setup to explore biomolecular dynamics and structure–function relationships.
• Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students in a mentoring capacity.

Skills

Ultrafast optics

Biophysical spectroscopy

English proficiency

Collaborative mindset

Education

Master's or Diploma

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Femtosecond laser systems

Biophysical instrumentation

Job description

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Research assistant (postdoc) (f/m/d) (DM-917)

Department: Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy

The Szekeres group at the Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry of Freie Universität Berlin is a newly established interdisciplinary team and is seeking a highly motivated, scientifically excellent research assistant (postdoc) within the BMFTR NanoMatFutur project “GAGosome”.

The aim of this project is to establish a fundamental understanding of how engineered glycan-lipid conjugates modulate the structural dynamics and function of lipid nanoparticles with the ultimate goal of enabling targeted drug delivery.

The main focus of the prospective research assistant will be to develop an ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopic setup and integrate it with other biophysical methods to probe the dynamic structural and chemical properties of conjugated lipid membranes and their interactions.

What You Can Expect in Your New Role

The postdoc will play a central role in the construction of the nonlinear spectroscopic setup, and its application in biophysical experiments. The work will focus on the design and implementation of femtosecond optical modules, as well as their diagnostics and application in exploring biomolecular dynamics and structure-function relationship.

Key Requirements

The applicant must have a completed academic university degree (Master's/Diploma) and a doctorate hold (PhD or equivalent) in Biophysics, Physics, or equivalent a strong focus on ultrafast optical setup construction.

• a strong focus on ultrafast optical setup construction,
• Experience in biophysical spectroscopy,
• Excellent written and spoken English skills,
• Interest in biomolecular spectroscopy,
• Efficiency, creativity, and proactivity-driven approach to scientific work,
• Collaborative and mentoring mindset while working with undergraduate and graduate students.

Professional experience: Strong background in the construction and application of femtosecond optical setups