PhD position - Mitochondrial membrane protein structure and function

The Ernst Ruska Centre (ER-C) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich is one of the world-leading electron microscopy centres with more than 15 electron microscopes. As part of the ER-C-3, (the Structural Biology division of the ER-C) our group focuses on the structural and molecular mechanism of mitochondrial membrane biology. We combine electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) and protein biochemistry to study the structure and function of protein complexes embedded in the mitochondrial membrane. Please find more information about the Vercellino group here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/er-c/er-c-3/groups/mito-membrane

Your Job

Mitochondria are organelles involved in multiple cell processes, ranging from energy production (in the form of ATP), to apoptosis and cell signalling. Defects in mitochondrial function result in severe diseases, primarily affecting muscles and brain. The Vercellino group is interested in understanding the assembly mechanism and function of fundamental mitochondrial membrane protein complexes using the locally available state-of-the-art cryo-EM technology as a tool.

As a PhD student in the group, your tasks will be:

Expression and purification of mitochondrial membrane protein complexes in bacterial and eukaryotic (yeast and mammalian) cell systems
Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the complexes
Cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection and structure determination

Your Profile

Master’s degree in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related fields
Strong interest and skills in relevant laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology, biophysics and biochemistry, from the experimental design to the data analysis
Prior experience in structural biology and light microscopy is desired
Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with team members
Fluent English (written and spoken) is required (at least C1 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
Supervision & Suport: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
Fair Remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 75% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
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In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

Place of Employment: Jülich

**Start Date:**To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

**Application Deadline:**The position will be published until it is successfully filled.