he Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences invites applications for positions as a PhD-student (f/m/d) – Fluorescent Proteins for Live-Cell MINFLUX

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and medicine. With currently 13 departments, over 30 research groups and around 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society.

The Department of NanoBiophotonics (Director: Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell) at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences invites applications for positions as a PhD-student (f/m/d) – Fluorescent Proteins for Live-Cell MINFLUX Super-Resolution Microscopy.

Super-resolution microscopy, or nanoscopy, revolutionized the imaging of the nanostructure of life. A recent introduction, MINFLUX microscopy, enables breakthrough spatial precision down to less than 1 nm in living cells. MINFLUX microscopy critically depends on the switchable fluorescent probes used, and for the next level of live-cell MINFLUX microscopy novel phototransformable fluorescent proteins are required.

The project focuses on the rational design of a toolbox of switchable fluorescent proteins with photophysical properties tailored (not only) for MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy. We use directed and random mutagenesis to specifically enhance favorable characteristics of fluorescent proteins. New variants will be used to investigate cell biological questions.

Requirements

• Excellent M.Sc. or equivalent degree in biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related discipline.
• Experience of protein design, (super-resolution) light microscopy, image analysis and/or molecular and cell biology is of advantage
• Enthusiasm, curiosity and the ability to work in a team and take on new challenges

We offer

• Interesting and varied work in an interdisciplinary environment
• A wide range of offers to help you balance work and family life: on-campus kindergarten places including vacation care, parent-child offices, etc.
• Further training opportunities and language courses
• Spacious cafeteria with a wide range of meals plus an espresso bar
• Health management: free fitness and yoga room, sports groups, course offerings for a “moving break”
• Initiatives for sustainability and a green environment with a new biotope

About us

The NanoBiophotonics department is one of the world’s leading research groups in the field of super-resolution microscopy. For the development of the STED microscope, which allows overcoming the optical diffraction limit, Prof. Dr. Stefan W. Hell was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2014. The focus of our multidisciplinary group of physicists, chemists and biologists is the development of new and exciting microscopy methods (such as RESOLFT, STED, MINFLUX or MINSTED microscopy) to achieve the ultimate resolution in living cells.

Additional Information

The employment as PhD student is for initially 3 years. Payment and benefits are based on the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund) guidelines.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Application

Please send your application preferably by e-mail (as a single PDF) with the subject “MINFLUX”. Closing date for applications: 30.03.2022. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions regarding the project and position.

Please send inquiries and applications to Ausschreibung09-22@mpinat.mpg.de

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of NanoBiophotonics
Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell
Am Fassberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany

Selected Publications:

Grotjohann T et al. (2011) Diffraction-unlimited all-optical imaging and writing with a photochromic GFP. Nature, 478: 204-8.

Balzarotti F et al. (2016) Nanometer resolution imaging and tracking of fluorescent molecules with minimal photon fluxes. Science, 355: 606-612

Pape JK et al. (2020) Multicolor 3D MINFLUX nanoscopy of mitochondrial MICOS proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 117: 20607-20614.

Weber M et al. (2021) MINSTED fluorescence localization and nanoscopy. Nat Photonics 15: 361-366.

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