The Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology (MPIIB) in Berlin-Mitte is an institution of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science and is one of the leading research institutes in the field of immunology and infectious diseases.
The Quantitative Biology (
www.thereberlab.com) research group of
Simone Reber at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin is offering a
Postdoctoral Position (m/f/div): In Vitro
Reconstitution of the Plasmodium Microtubule
Cytoskeleton
for a project starting in the first trimester of 2023
Project description – in vitro reconstitution of the Plasmodium microtubule cytoskeleton:
The in vitro reconstitution of cytoskeletal systems with purified components has proven a vital approach to study and understand the mechanisms of essential cellular processes. In parasites, such studies have been limited by the lack of purified functional parasite tubulin. Our recent success in the purification and characterization of Plasmodium tubulin (
www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/fulltext/S1471-4922(22)00059-9) now provides an unparalleled opportunity to dissect mechanisms of how Plasmodium establishes specific intracellular microtubule architectures throughout its complex life cycle. Further, the in vitro reconstitution of the parasite’s microtubule cytoskeleton provides the exciting possibility of (1) discovering how fundamental principles of cell biology contribute to malaria parasite adaptation to its human and mosquito hosts, and (2) the targeted development of novel microtubule-binding drugs as anti-malarials and – more general – as anti-mitotics against other human pathogens.
Candidate’s specification:
- PhD with a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, bioimaging, or a related discipline
- Research experience of working with purified proteins and advanced microscopy methods, ideally total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy
- Fluency in a statistical programming language
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; the working language of the laboratory is English
- Keen interest in quantitative biology
We offer:
- Outstanding research and training opportunities with access to state-of-the-art facilities
- An excellent scientific network
- A stimulating international and multi-disciplinary research environment on a thriving campus in the heart of Berlin
- A full-time position with excellent benefits for initially two years with renewal option up to five years
- Compensation with all public service benefits under the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD Bund) depending on qualification and transfer of tasks up to pay group E 13 TVöD (Bund)
- Supplementary old-age provision by the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (Federal and State Pension Fund)
- A discounted ticket for local public transport can be obtained
As an equal opportunity employer, the Max Planck Society is committed to employing more individuals with disabilities. We, therefore, encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. The Max Planck Society also strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Interested in joining us?
Applications will be accepted exclusively via our online application portal:
https://recruitingapp-5133.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/444/Application/New/2?lang=eng
Please upload your full application in English (cover letter, complete CV, and name of at least two references). The position is open immediately and applications will be evaluated continuously until filled.
For further information, please contact Simone Reber:
reber@mpiib-berlin.mpg.de.