The Max Planck Society is one of Europe's leading research organizations and conducts basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities. The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena carries out fundamental research on how organisms communicate with each other via chemical signals. We analyze ecological interactions with molecular, chemical and neurobiological techniques. In the Institute, organic chemists, biochemists, ecologists, entomologists, behavioral scientists, insect geneticists and physiologists work in collaboration to unravel the complexity of chemical communication that occurs in nature.

Applications are invited for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) - Signaling Dynamics

Full time (E13/100%), to be filled initially for 2 years with the possibility for extension

Membrane receptors and their intrinsically disordered regions as signal integration hubs

The newly established Max Planck Fellow Group Signaling Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Ute A. Hellmich) investigates how biological systems perceive, integrate, and respond to multiple environmental signals across biological scales, from molecular dynamics and intracellular signaling to organismal behavior. A central focus of the group is understanding how ion channels contribute to environmental adaptation and cellular decision-making processes.

Intrinsically disordered regions are increasingly recognized as dynamic regulatory platforms that mediate signaling specificity, environmental responsiveness, and the assembly of molecular interaction networks. However, their roles in controlling protein function and in coordinating cellular adaptation to changing environments remain poorly understood. We are particularly interested in understanding how IDRs regulate membrane protein function, coordinate cellular signaling pathways, and enable micronutrient distribution within intracellular and intercellular networks.

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We seek

a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to uncover how membrane proteins and their associated intrinsically disordered regions perceive environmental signals, such as changes in temperature, metal and nutrient availability, and how these signals are relayed across cellular membranes, enabling communication within and between cells.

Possible research directions include:

• Regulatory functions of intrinsically disordered regions in transporters, ion channels and associated signaling proteins
• Roles of channels/transporters and IDRs in micronutrient and metal sensing, transport, and homeostasis
• Intermembrane signaling processes at the insect-symbiont and/or host-pathogen interface
• Adaptation of trypanosomatid parasites to changing host environments
• Receptor-mediated mechanisms underlying insect sensory biology and environmental adaptation

Your Profile

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain shortly, a PhD in structural biology, biophysics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Structural biology of membrane proteins and/or intrinsically disordered proteins
• Ion channel physiology, cell biology, advanced imaging techniques
• Computational structural biology
• Comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses
• Parasite (trypanosomatid) biology, host-pathogen interactions, or insect biology

We are particularly looking for candidates who are excited by interdisciplinary research combining wet and dry lab and motivated to connect molecular mechanisms with biological function across different levels of organization. Depending on the profile of the candidate, the project may also include field work and animal (insect) behavioural studies.

We offer

The project offers substantial flexibility, and the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the broader goals of the group. In addition, we expect close collaboration with research groups in the institute and at the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.

We offer a family-friendly culture and flexible working hours. Salaries will be based on experience according to TVöD guidelines. The contract will be offered for two years. This is a full-time position.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline is July 31, 2026

Review of suitable candidates will begin August 1, the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality and diversity and actively supports the reconciliation of work and family life. We want to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Society has also set itself the goal of employing more persons with severe disabilities. We therefore encourage them to apply. We also welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply. We are looking forward to getting your complete application documents.

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