PhD student (f/m/d) protein engineering in the context of optical imaging

Chair of Biological Imaging

30.07.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are now looking for a highly qualified and motivated protein biochemist PhD student (f/m/d) with a background and passion for protein engineering who also does not shy away from technical equipment

Are you passionate about science? Full of ideas and innovative potential to drive change? Do you see yourself working in an international fast-paced, highly competitive, scientific environment? If you are motivated by the societal impact of science and technology, if you seek an opportunity to play an active role in the development of emerging technologies for biology and healthcare; then, the Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and its integrated Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI) at the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), Germany, is the ideal environment for you!

CBI is the cornerstone of a rapidly expanding bioengineering ecosystem in the Munich science area; including the Research Center TranslaTUM and the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, which integrate bioengineering with oncology and metabolic disorders, respectively. CBI scientists develop next-generation imaging and sensing methods to measure previously inaccessible properties of living systems, hence, catalyzing breakthroughs in biology and medicine. Comprising 11 inter-disciplinary laboratories with scientists from more than 25 countries, CBI offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for innovative research and a perfect environment to accelerate your career. Our research aims to shift the paradigm of biological discovery and translation to address major health challenges of our time and to develop the medical solutions of tomorrow.

Join our team and be part of our rich and dynamic research culture of enquiry and innovation. CBI researchers come from the top ranks of physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine-frequently yielding to high-impact papers, successful technology spin-offs, and commercialization. Moreover, our studies are regularly featured in major news channels and have received broad recognition including several prestigious awards as well as considerable research funding from national and international sources.

The mission

The Stiel lab is one of CBI’s 11 inter-disciplinary laboratories and focuses on the development of genetically encoded agents, analysis schemes and applications primarily for optoacoustic and fluorescence imaging. We use protein engineering to develop agents based on our research in photophysics and structure-function relationships. These agents are employed on the level of single mammalian cells as well as whole organisms. Specialized analysis algorithms facilitate the agents’ sensitive detection deep in tissue. Finally, we advance specialized screening, spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation to complement our molecular tools.

The project

Photoswitching small molecule sensors can be used to unravel the distribution of small molecules at the nanoscale or whole animals (Mishra, Nature Biotechnology, 2022) or to readout exact molecule concentrations from cells (Bierbuesse, Nature Communication, 2022). The project seeks to advance these concepts aiming at new analytes but also new sensor building concepts. Fundamentally, development of such sensors combines protein engineering of chimeras with a focus on translating the binding of the analyte to a measurable photophysical changes – here photoswitching characteristics. The project will use techniques of protein engineering (molecular biology, mutagenesis, protein purification etc.) but also requires routine use and adaption of custom-build screening and spectroscopy technologies (i.e. optical hardware).

The work entails multiple aspects:
• Work with protein structures in conceptualizing the protein engineering efforts and constantly assessing the impact of potentially beneficial changes during the engineering process. This can include elucidation of new structures in collaboration with a structure biology team on campus.
• Build the constructs and create variant libraries using molecular biology techniques including targeted and random mutagenesis.
• Screen libraries using custom build setups.
• Maintain and advance the screening setup for the needs of the project as it develops. This includes work with laser sources, optical devices, cameras and data acquisition devices.
• Characterize lead candidates by purifying protein and characterizing with diverse methods of optical spectroscopy.
• Test lead candidates in mammalian cell culture. Depending on background and project direction in collaboration or on your own

The candidate

Towards this goal, we are looking for a highly qualified and motivated protein biochemist PhD student (f/m/d) with a background and passion for protein engineering who also does not shy away from technical equipment handling:
• Master in biochemistry, biophysics, biology or related disciplines
• Experience with protein-biochemistry
• Preferable in the context of protein engineering
• Prior experience with handling optical equipment, e.g. custom microscopes, spectroscopy devices etc.
• Prior experience or strong interest and vocation in coding to solve practical low-level questions of data analysis in imaging or spectroscopy (e.g. python or Matlab)
• Interest in bio(medical) imaging
• Interest in photophysical phenomena
• Team player skills and enthusiasm to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment
• Excellent command of the English language
• High motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence

Our offer

We offer you the unique chance to make a difference in future healthcare. At CBI, we strongly believe in scientific excellence and innovation. This is your opportunity to be part of and to advance your career in a world-leading research institute, where bioengineering principles meet today’s challenges in biology and medicine to develop the solutions of tomorrow. CBI provides a highly international, multi-disciplinary environment with excellent opportunities for professional growth. You will be part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team within a stimulating environment. TUM offers a wide variety of inspiring and challenging PhD programs, which will supplement your research training with outstanding opportunities for career development, continued education and life-long learning.

Situated on the foothills of the Alps, Munich is consistently ranked as one of the most vibrant and enjoyable cities in the world, with an exceptionally quality of life. Greater Munich is also home to several world-class universities and research institutes, creating a truly inspiring intellectual atmosphere.

The successful applicant will initially have a 3-year contract, with the possibility of extension. We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the public service wage agreement of the Free State of Bavaria (TV-L E13-75%).

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your application

We are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive online application, including your letter of motivation, CV, and academic transcripts of records, preferably in English. Please indicate “PhD student (f/m/d) with a background and passion for protein engineering” in the subject line.

For any question, please contact:

Prof. Dr. André C. Stiel
email: andre.stiel@tum.de

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Chair of Biological Imaging (CBI)
Ismaningerstr. 22
81675 Munich, Germany

Web pages:
https://web.med.tum.de/en/cbi/home/
https://www.translatum.tum.de
https://www.pioneercampus.de
https://www.linkedin.com/company/munichimaging/
https://www.facebook.com/MunichImaging
https://twitter.com/MunichImaging

Kontakt: andre.stiel@tum.de