Job Offers

for a joint project between the University of Würzburg, Germany and the LMU in Munich, Germany, entitled:

New light on the AGT-DNA alkyltransferase lesion repair mechanism with Graphene Energy Transfer on vertical Nucleic Acids (GETvNA)

We are looking for two highly motivated PhD students with interest and experience in single-molecule biophysics and biophotonics or DNA repair, protein biochemistry, and protein-DNA interactions. The project is strongly interdisciplinary and will be split between the laboratories of Dr. Ingrid Tessmer at the University of Würzburg (single molecule studies of DNA repair) and Prof. Philip Tinnefeld at the LMU (nanobiosciences), building on our recent development of the novel single-molecule methodology GETvNA (graphene induced energy transfer on vertical nucleic acids, published recently in Nature Methods). The PhD project at the University of Würzburg is more biologically oriented and will involve protein preparations and biochemical as well as biophysical characterisation of the essential DNA repair protein AGT. The PhD project at the LMU is more physically oriented and will focus on applications of GETvNA and on new superresolution microscopy methods (pMINFLUX) to study AGT-DNA interactions. The overall project will thus comprise on the one hand state of the art applications and developments in single-molecule biophysical methodology and on the other hand medically relevant insights in DNA repair mechanism, protein-DNA interactions, and protein biochemistry. The two PhD projects will be closely intertwined and will profit from a high degree of collaboration with frequent visits between the Universities.

The project duration for PhD students is 3 years. The working language is English. The PhD students will also become members of the graduate schools at the respective university.

The ideal candidate will have a background in biophysics or biochemistry (experience with single molecule experiments and data analyses would be a bonus) and possess a Master’s degree, as well as good communication skills and proficiency in English language.

Submit your application including a letter of motivation, your CV, a short abstract about your master thesis, as well as contact details of your master thesis advisor and one additional reference (professor or group leader who will be able to assess your scientific strengths) by 31 December 2024 to Ingrid Tessmer (ingrid.tessmer@uni-wuerzburg.de) or Philip Tinnefeld (philip.tinnefeld@lmu.de). We will start reviewing applications immediately, but will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled.

The group of Prof. Dr. Caroline Kisker at the Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (RVZ) invites applications for:

a PhD Position (f/m/d) in Structure Guided Design of DUB Inhibitors

Our lab employs a wide array of structural and biophysical methods to characterize key proteins and macromolecular assemblies involved in the development of cancer and infectious deseases. Together with scientists from various desciplines we develop novel, innovative strategies for disease treatment.

Job description:

The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative project concisting of chemists and molecular/structural biologists who aim to design catalytic inhibitors targeting the human deubiquitylases USP25 and USP28. Both DUBs are considered key targets for the development of pharmacological therapies against specific types of cancer as well as autoimmune and neurological diseases and several bi-specific inhibitors are know. The candidate will use various methods, including X-ray crystallography, cryo EM and different biophysical/biochemical methods, to guide the development of existing and novel inhibiting compounds towards high selectivity and potency.

We offer:

• A friendly, international environment with English as main working language
• A large, well equipped structural biology lab with additional protein production and charakterization facilities in house
• Supervision with regular mettings
• Enrollment into the Graduate School for Life Sciences
• Professionell skills training

Apply if you:

• hold a Master`s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology or similar
• have experience in the characterization of enzymes
• have a keen interest in small molecule design and structural biology
• have a good organizational and communication skills

The position ist available from October 2024 for four years. The salary will be according to the collective bargaining agreement (TV-L, 65 %). Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualifications.

For informal inquiries please contact Caroline Kisker (caroline.kisker@uni-wuerzburg.de) or Florian Sauer (florian.sauer@uni-wuerzburg.de).

To apply, please submit your application by November 30, 2024 at the latest including a one page motivation letter,  the names of two references and your CV (in one PDF-file <10 MB) by E-mail to gabriele.ries@uni-wuerzburg.de.

The Nanoscale Bacteriology lab, led by Dr. Christoph Spahn, is looking for a PostDoc who wants to apply cutting-edge microscopy methods to study bacteria. The research group focusses on understanding the subcellular organization of bacteria and how it is affected by antimicrobial compounds. We combine super-resolution microscopy (Spahn et al., 2018), drug treatments (Spahn et al., 2023) and artificial intelligence (Spahn et al., 2022) to understand both fundamental concepts of bacterial cell biology (e.g. transcription-translation coupling) and antibiotic action. As we aim for an interdisciplinary approach, we complement our microscopy with basic microbiological and biochemical methods.

The project will be focused on developing highly multiplexed single-molecule imaging approaches to study molecular machineries involved in chromosome organization and protein secretion. The candidate will explore the architecture of these (supramolecular) complexes and their response to antibiotic treatments.

Qualification profile

As a PostDoc applicant, you have completed a PhD in life sciences or related fields.

Essential qualifications

• Enthusiasm for science/basic research
• A strong background in the field of life sciences
• Experience in super-resolution microscopy or other advanced microscopy techniques, as well as image analysis
• Experience in microbiology or molecular biology
• Willingness to learn new techniques and explore novel ground
• Excellent team spirit and willingness to teach students
• A good command of English as you will be working in an international team.

Optional qualifications

• Experience in programming and/or AI
• Experience in biochemistry

What we offer

At Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, more than 30,000 people from over 100 countries come together to study, research, teach and work. As a central institution of the University, the Rudolf Virchow Center is a modern research center with more than 100 international scientists investigating the molecular causes of health and disease. It has been established as a unique institution for translational bioimaging combining all existing imaging core structures and microscopy facilities.

The Rudolf Virchow Center is a highly competitive international research institute with an outstanding infrastructure. We have in-house access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and to an extensive range of modern biophysical and cell biological equipment. We are integrated into a stimulating cross-disciplinary environment that includes our partners at the Biocenter, the physics department, the Max Planck Research Group in Systems Immunology, the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) and the University Hospital in Würzburg.

Würzburg is located in the beautiful, wine-growing area of Franconia, in proximity of Frankfurt (1 hour by train) and Munich (2 hours). We have a lot of sun and many festivals in the summer, as well as impressive historical buildings and recreative nature.

We offer a three year-position starting as soon as possible. The salary is commensurate with training and experience according to Collective Agreement for the Public Service of German Federal States TV-L (100%).

You will have access to both national and public-service pension schemes (VBL), health care, and are entitled to 30 days of holiday in addition to 13 annual public holidays in Bavaria. Our Welcome Center supports international candidates in finding accommodation as well as in administrative matters - and the University of Würzburg offers support for researchers with children, including flexible working hours and childcare.

Interested?

Applications including a cover letter, a detailed CV (2 pages max), a short summary of past research projects with publications (3 pages max), copies of certificates, and the contact information of two referees, should be sent via email as a single pdf file (not exceeding 10 MB). Applications will be screened continuously until the position is filled.

The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we explicitly encourage applications from qualified women.

Please send your application to: christoph.spahn@uni-wuerzburg.de

If you want to know more about the project and/or have further questions about the position, please contact the mail above.

About the Position:
The Kisker group from the Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging at the University of Würzburg is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team. This exciting project will focus on the structural biology of the FancJ helicase, an essential component in genome maintenance and DNA repair mechanisms, using cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques and biochemical analyses (see also reference).

Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-resolution structural studies of the FancJ helicase using cryo-EM.
• Prepare and optimize protein samples and cryo-EM grids.
• Collect and analyze cryo-EM data, including image processing and 3D reconstruction.
• Perform site directed mutagenesis and biochemical assays to investigate the functional implications of structural findings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts.
• Present findings at internal meetings workshops and international conferences.

Qualifications:

• Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology or a related field.
• Strong background in protein biochemistry, including protein expression and purification.
• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy and structural biology is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and mutagenesis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as a part ot the team.
• Strong communications skills and fluency in English, both written and spoken.

What we offer:

• Access to state-of-art cryo-EM facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment within a leading research institute.
• Opportunities for professionals development, including training in advanced cryo-EM techniques and data analysis.
• Competitive salary and benefits based on the German public salary scale (TV-L E 13; 65 %).

Application process:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your research interests and motivations for applying.
• A detailed CV, including a list of publications and presentations.
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Contact information for at least two academic referess.

The JMU aims to reduce the underrepresentation of women and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply.
Severely handicapped applicants will be given preferential consideration in the case of broadly equal suitability, ability and professional achievements.

Please send your application as a single PDF file to teresa.frank@uni-wuerzburg.de

The closing date for applications is November 30, 2024.

Reference:
Kuper, J., Hove, T., Maidl, S., Neitz, H., Sauer, F., Kempf, M., Schroeder, T., Greiter, E., Höbartner, C., Kisker, C. (2024). XPD Stalled an Cross-Linked DNA Provides Insight into Damage Verification. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41594-024-01323-5

About the Rudolf Virchow Center
The Rudolf Virchow Center at the University of Würzburg is a premier research institute dedicated to unterstanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. Our center focuses on integrative and translational bioimaging, bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications. We provide a vibrant scientific environment with access the cutting-edge technologies and collaborative research opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters collaboration.

Join us in advancing the frontiers of structural biology and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in DNA repair mechanisms.