PhD position in Membrane Protein Structural Biology (65% TV-E13 pay scale)

15.05.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are seeking a new team member at the Lab of Structural Membrane Biochemistry. We are based at the Bavarian NMR Center of the Technical University of Munich and the Helmholtz Center Munich, which houses state-of-the-art NMR equipment (500-1.2 GHz), as well as wet-lab and other biophysical facilities (CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering, calorimetry, mass spec, small angle X-ray scattering). X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy labs are located next door and are accessible. Further information can be found at: www.membrane.ch.tum.de and www.bnmrz.org. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and work in project teams, be familiar with recombinant production and purification of (membrane-) proteins in E. coli. Knowledge in biophysical techniques for the characterization of (membrane-) proteins as well as experience in NMR and/or other structural techniques is a plus. The research topic is focused on the mitochondrial membrane protein MPV17 whose inactivation leads to the so-called "mitochondrial DNA depletion" syndrome (MDDS), leading to severe liver damage and hepatocerebral dysfunction, and thus usually to death in early infancy. The function and mechanistic details of MPV17 are relatively poorly understood, limiting therapies to the treatment of symptoms. In this project, we aim to better understand the molecular causes of MPV17-related diseases. We will use various analytical and biochemical methods to decipher the functional role of MPV17 and investigate its structure using high-resolution methods, such as NMR and cryo-EM. With the obtained structural information, the influence of mutations on MPV17 function can be better understood, which will be the basis for a specific therapy of MPV17-induced MDDS. The position is intended to be filled until October 1st. The position is co-funded by the European Union HORIZON-MSCA-2022-COFUND program ArchiFun. To apply, please send a single pdf file (motivation letter, CV including the names of at least two references and certificates) via email to franz.hagn@tum.de

We are seeking a new team member at the Lab of Structural Membrane Biochemistry. We are based at the Bavarian NMR Center of the Technical University of Munich and the Helmholtz Center Munich, which houses state-of-the-art NMR equipment (500-1.2 GHz), as well as wet-lab and other biophysical facilities (CD and fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering, calorimetry, mass spec, small angle X-ray scattering). X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy labs are located next door and are accessible. Further information can be found at: www.bio.nat.tum.de/membrane and www.bnmrz.org.

The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and work in project teams, be familiar with recombinant production and purification of (membrane-) proteins in E. coli. Knowledge in biophysical techniques for the characterization of (membrane-) proteins as well as experience in NMR and/or other structural techniques is a plus.

The research topic is focused on the mitochondrial membrane protein MPV17 whose inactivation leads to the so-called "mitochondrial DNA depletion" syndrome (MDDS), leading to severe liver damage and hepatocerebral dysfunction, and thus usually to death in early infancy. The function and mechanistic details of MPV17 are relatively poorly understood, limiting therapies to the treatment of symptoms. In this project, we aim to better understand the molecular causes of MPV17-related diseases. We will use various analytical and biochemical methods to decipher the functional role of MPV17 and investigate its structure using high-resolution methods, such as NMR and cryo-EM. With the obtained structural information, the influence of mutations on MPV17 function can be better understood, which will be the basis for a specific therapy of MPV17-induced MDDS.

The position is intended to be filled until October 1st. The position is co-funded by the European Union HORIZON-MSCA-2022-COFUND program ArchiFun (https://cofund-archifun.univ-lyon1.fr/ThesisProjects.html). To apply, please send a single pdf file (motivation letter, CV including the names of at least two references and certificates) via email to franz.hagn@tum.de

Kontakt: Applications should be directed to Prof. Dr. Franz Hagn, e-mail franz.hagn@tum.de