Time Span as soon as possible for 3 years Application Deadline 31 Mar 2023 Financing yes Type of Position
Field of Research
Subjects Life Sciences Description The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.
The research group Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity (Dr. Sonja Lorenz) invites applications for a position as
PhD student (f/m/d) – Structure-function analyses of ubiquitin ligase complexes –
Our laboratory aims to understand how the posttranslational modifier ubiquitin regulates myriad aspects of eukaryotic physiology with specificity. A major key lies in the action of ubiquitin ligases, a highly diversified enzyme family that recognizes substrates for ubiquitination and determines the types of modifications they are decorated with. The immense potential of ubiquitin ligases for therapeutic applications has been illustrated by the clinical efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of hematological malignancies and recent developments in the field of Protacs/molecular glues. Yet, rational targeting of ubiquitin ligases in the clinic is still inhibited by our limited understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying their cellular functions.
We offer a fully-funded PhD position to explore how the macromolecular context of ubiquitin ligases programs their conformational dynamics, catalytic activities, and specificities. Building on exciting preliminary data, this project focuses on the reconstitution and structural-functional characterization of ligase-interactor complexes that control ubiquitination events in particular cellular locations and disease-associated pathways. This project combines biochemical and cell biological techniques with cryo-electron microscopy and will be tailored to the particular interests of the successful candidate.
Candidates should hold/soon expect a MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant area of the life sciences and have initial experience in protein biochemistry or structural biology. Candidates should be passionate about science, curiosity-driven, self-motivated, and eager to work in an international, multi-disciplinary team.
We offer • competitive research in an inspiring, world-class environment • professional training, networking and career-development opportunities; free language courses • on-site health management: free fitness and yoga room, sports groups, beach volleyball league, and courses for a "moving lunch break” • a wide range of opportunities to balance work and family life, including an on-campus kindergarten and vacation care • spacious on-site cafeteria with diverse meals; espresso bar • initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with an on-site biotope
About us Based at one of Germany's premier research campuses, our research group has access to leading-edge infrastructure in all areas of cell and structural biology, including cryo-EM. We are an international team, supported by the Max Planck Society, the German Research Foundation, and the EMBO Young Investigator Program. Our working language is English; knowledge of German is not required. The historic city of Göttingen, located in the center of Germany, offers great outdoor and cultural opportunities, a vibrant student scene, and an impressive scientific heritage.
Position details The positions should be filled as soon as possible; the exact start date is flexible. PhD students will be funded for three years (with a possibility of extension) and have the opportunity to enroll in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Payment and benefits are based on the TVöD (wage agreement for public service personal) guidelines.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Application Please submit your application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, academic transcripts, publication list, and the contact addresses of two references preferably as a single PDF file to the email address below. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences Research Group „Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity“ Sonja Lorenz Am Faßberg 11 37077 Göttingen Germany Web: https: // www. mpinat.mpg.de/lorenz Twitter: SLorenzLab
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More Information https: // www. mpinat.mpg.de/4300633/01-23?c=2501032