WE ARE OFFERING

Head of Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics (m/f/div)

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg invites applications for the position of Head of the Core Facility for Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics.

YOUR TASKS:

As Head of the Core Facility for Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics, you will establish, develop, and lead a central scientific service unit that supports research groups across the institute. A key focus of the facility will be the expression, purification, and biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins. In line with the institute’s research profile in epigenetics, the facility will focus especially on chromatin-associated proteins and protein complexes.

You will oversee the development and implementation of state-of-the-art biochemical and biophysical methods and work closely with research groups to support and advance their scientific projects. In this role, you will provide expert advice, develop tailored experimental strategies, and help integrate protein biochemical and biophysical approaches with complementary cutting-edge technologies available at the institute, including genomics and single-molecule imaging.

The facility will include technical staff members, whom you will recruit, supervise and support in their scientific and technical development. You will be responsible for organizing facility workflows, ensuring high-quality service provision, establishing robust protocols and documentation, and maintaining an efficient and collaborative working environment. In addition to leading the Core Facility, the institute encourages the successful candidate to develop and pursue independent research projects, apply for third-party funding, and to build a small research team by recruiting and supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

Your Responsibilities:

Establishing and leading the Core Facility for Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics
Developing workflows for the expression, purification, and biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins
Providing expert support to research groups in experimental design, method development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation
Supervising and mentoring the technical staff associated with the facility and your research team

YOUR PROFILE:

Academic degree including a doctorate/PhD or equivalent experience in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, or a related field
Strong expertise in protein expression, purification, and biochemical/biophysical characterization
Ideally, experience with chromatin-associated proteins, nucleosomes, or related epigenetic systems
Interest in method development, protocol optimization, and establishing robust facility workflows
Experience in supervising staff, students, or researchers, or strong motivation to take on leadership responsibilities
Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
Service-oriented, proactive mindset and enthusiasm for supporting diverse research projects across the institute

WE OFFER:

The position is initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extension thereafter. We are looking for a committed and qualified individual who is interested in building a permanent, long-term career with us. We will provide the successful candidate with the support, guidance, and time needed to grow into the role of Service Group Leader, build and lead the facility successfully, and become an integral part of our institute.

Located in a region that connects Germany, France and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance:

Payment according to TVöD up to E14 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
Additional performance-related remuneration component
Professional training and development opportunities
Good public transport connections and subsidy for job ticket
Challenging work in a modern working environment
Dual-Career-Support and Welcome-Service
Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

Max Planck Institute for
Immunobiology and Epigenetics
HR Department
Stübeweg 51
79108 Freiburg

For informal inquiries, please contact Marieke Oudelaar via oudelaar@ie-freiburg.mpg.de.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Have we sparked your interest? Please submit your complete application documents — including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, and contact details for references — via our at . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

We value and promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We aim to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore strongly encourage women to apply.

Max Planck Institute for
Immunobiology and Epigenetics
HR Department
Stübeweg 51
79108 Freiburg

For informal inquiries, please contact Marieke Oudelaar via oudelaar@ie-freiburg.mpg.de.