Background

In vitro glycoengineering offers the possibility to act on the glycosylation of a protein and thus to produce specific glycan structures as desired. In the Synthetic Biotechnology group, Dept. of Bioprocess Engineering at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, enzymatic processes for in vitro glycosylation are developed. The main objective of the thesis would be the recombinant expression of a bacterial oligosaccharyltransferase for the glycosylation of peptides with novel lipid-linked glycans. With work packages in the areas of biocatalysis and downstream processing, as well as in the areas of expression of recombinant enzymes and reaction analysis, the master project is very interdisciplinary. We are looking for a motivated individual with very good basic knowledge in the field of biotechnology as well as with interest in the development of biocatalytic methods to work on the project.

The focus of the project lies in

• Recombinant production of proteins in microbial systems
• Downstream processing of recombinant enzymes by ultracentrifugation, chromatography and filtration methods
• In vitro-glycosylation of target proteins with recombinant glycosyltransferases
• Glycoanalysis by HILIC and capillary electrophoresis

Candidates will have the opportunity to work on key technologies in an international research group with state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, thorough supervision and training by MPI staff will be
provided.

Requirements

• Degree/ Studies: biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology
• Experience with laboratory work and ideally experience with one of the following techniques: recombinant protein expression, chromatography methods, downstream processing,
• Motivation, curiosity and ability to work in a team

We offer

• An exciting research project and the opportunity to develop key technologies
• First-class supervision and training by our staff members
• Acquisition of knowledge in the fields of biocatalysis, recombinant enzyme expression, analytics by ion chromatography and downstream processing
• Familiarization with state-of-the-art equipment for biotechnological research and development

Application

Please send your application with CV and references in German or English to the contact below. 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. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Start date: October 2023

Contact

Johannes Ruhnau, M.Sc.
E-Mail: ruhnau@mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de

Please note the information regarding the storage of personal data.