Project description:

A PhD position is available in the Freund group at FU Berlin. The position is limited until June 30, 2028. This collaborative project between the Quantitative Biosciences Institute at the University of California, San Francisco (QBI-UCSF) and Freie Universität Berlin, funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin, aims not only to address a critical scientific question, but also to promote scientific exchange between the participating institutions

The project is concerned with the machinery that forms the SNARE complex in the context of synaptic transmission. With a focus on biochemistry and structural biology, the goal is to understand the conformational dynamics of SNARE complex formation when assisted by Munc18 and Munc13 proteins. NMR spectroscopy, XL-MS and electron microscopy are used to decipher the mechanistic underpinnings of SNARE complex formation. Furthermore, mutations in these proteins that lead to epilepsy or autism spectrum disorders are investigated with respect to altered protein function. In a collaborative effort with groups from FU Berlin, Charité and UCSF, we translate altered protein functions to pathophysiology at the organismic level.

 

Job description:

This PhD position will be based at Freie Universität Berlin in the laboratory of Protein Biochemistry. The scholar will work closely with Drs. Freund and Krogan who are experienced mentors. The student will have the opportunity to contribute to the research project, with the possibility to travel to Krogan’s lab at UCSF (California, USA).

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in biochemistry, biology, biophysics or equivalent fields
• Experience in at least two of the following techniques: protein biochemistry, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy desirable
• Solid educational training in structural biology desirable
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well in a complex, multidisciplinary environment across multiple teams, with the ability to prioritize effectively.

The candidate will have full access to the technologies of the respective laboratories and facilities, including high-end mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, a 300 kV Titan Krios G3i and personnel trained at these instruments as part of the BioSupraMol facility of the BCP department of FU Berlin.

For further information, please contact Mr. Steffen Daehn (steffen.daehn2@fu-berlin.de / +49 30 838 54389)