The Max Planck Institute of Biophysics is a leading inter­national research institute that uses bio­physical, biochemical and computational methods to investigate the struc­ture, dynamics and function of cellu­lar systems at the molecular scale. It consists of four scientific depart­ments, multiple research groups and scien­tific core facilities, with about 200 employees from more than 25 countries. My lab specializes in the develop­ment of mass spectrometry based techniques to address open questions in struc­tural, molecular and neurobiology. Our method port­folio comprises proteomic work­flows (label-free [DDA, DIA] & label based [SILAC, TMT] quanti­fications, targeted workflows [PRM], PTM and Top-Down analyses) as well as HDX-MS, lipidomics / metabolomics and MS imaging (https://www.biophys.mpg.de/2126817/proteomics).

As part of the Special Priority Program 2002 by the DFG (https://www.spp2002.uni-kiel.de/), we are currently looking for a

PhD student (m/f/div)
in MS-based proteomics of small proteins

The goal of the project will be to investi­gate the functional roles of specific small protein sub­units in prokaryotic terminal oxidases (e.g. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31604309/) and to explore and further develop top-down approaches to iden­tify novel subunits in different prokaryotic model systems (e.g. E.coli and Pseudomonas).

• The opportunity to learn and develop advanced tech­niques in MS-based proteomics data acqui­sition and analysis
• State-of-the-art research equipment (e.g. Orbitrap Eclipse [FAIMS], Fusion Lumos, Rapiflex TOF/TOF instru­ments) and technical infrastructure (Scientific computing, EM facility, elec­tronics and mechanical workshop)
• A great, highly interactive work atmos­phere within an international and colla­borative team and institute
• An initial funding period of three years, including partici­pation in workshops, seminars, con­ferences (German federal public service salary scale TVöD E13 / 65%).

• Master / Diploma in Chemistry, Bio­chemistry or Biophysics or equivalent
• Previous experience with MALDI–TOF and/or LC-MS data acqui­sition and analysis is mandatory
• Knowledge of associated software and bio­informatic tools (e.g. MaxQuant, Perseus, Proteome Discoverer, PEAKS etc.) and/or pro­gramming languages (R, Python) is advantageous
• Experience in working with mem­brane proteins and biochemical techniques is advantageous
• Open-minded and motivated perso­nality with a focus on teamplay
• Ability to work accurately and independently

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome appli­cations from all back­grounds. The Max Planck Society aims to employ more disabled people. Applications from dis­abled persons are explicitly encouraged.

Please send your application to julian.langer@biophys.mpg.de with the subject “SPP 2002 PhD application” and include a cover letter with a brief summary of relevant research experience, a CV and references or con­tact details in a single pdf-file.