A postdoctoral position (m/f/d) is available in the Förderer laboratory in the research project ‘Molecular basis of symbiotic plant-microbe interaction’, at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. The project includes state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of proteins involved mycorrhiza and root nodule symbiosis. The protein structure knowledge will be used for crop improvement to generate new cultivars that are equipped for the future challenges in agriculture (climate change). Our recently founded junior group is located at the Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology and part of the Department ‘Root biology and mycorrhiza’ (Prof. Caroline Gutjahr). The MPIMP is an excellent research environment that covers a wide range of modern plant science including the research group of Prof. Caroline Gutjahr (https://www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/2737408/mycorrhiza-and-root-biology), an excellent transformation platform (https://www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/8348/5koehl) and bioinformatics (https://www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/bioinformatics). For more information on the Förderer laboratory visit our webpage on https://www.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/2761297/foerderer.

Your profile

A PhD/doctoral degree in Biochemistry or a related subject, preferably with some experience in plant molecular biology, but most desirably with a solid background in protein biochemistry and structural biology (crystallography or cryo-EM).

Prior experience in one or more of the following aspects:

• Protein expression (insect cell culture, E. coli and tobacco)
• Protein biochemistry (affinity purification, FPLC, western blot, Co-IP)
• Structure biology (crystallography, cryo-EM SPA)
• Electron microscopy (TEM)
• Bioinformatics (structure prediction and evaluation, CryoSPARC/Relion, Coot, Linux)
• Good command of English (oral and written)
• A willingness to train other team members in relevant methodologies
• Curiosity, a strong motivation to excel in science, and a ‘can-do’ attitude
• A collaborative mind-set and good communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Ambitious academic goals and a desire to apply for fellowships
• Preference will be given to candidates with a strong and related publication record

Our offer

• Postdoctoral position, available immediately, initially limited to 2 years (with the option of extension according to WissZeitVG), salary according to German public service pay scale (100% E13 TVÖD Bund, https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund/)
• A generous travel budged to visit national and international conferences
• Opportunities to take part in training events and courses
• A stimulating environment in a dynamic, international team of cooperative and motivated scientists
• Access to the infrastructure of one of the leading plant science institutes in the world
• Working in the Potsdam Science Park and near by the exciting urban area of Berlin 

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity and has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Your application

Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Alexander Förderer:

alexander.foerderer@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
Please use “Postdoc application” in your subject. Otherwise, your email may be lost. Please include these documents into your application:

• CV
• Contact information of minimum 2 referees
• Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in joining the group and why you are the right person to make progress in the field
• Please specify from when you would be able to start

If you need further information on the position offered, please feel free to contact Dr. Alexander Förderer for a pre-enquiry. Applications will initially be accepted before 08.05.2024.