Open Position

PhD Position within the DFG-funded RTG 2473/2 SynPepBio: Bioactive Peptides - Innovative Aspects of Synthesis and Biosynthesis

(salary E13 TV-L, 67%, for three years starting at 01 April 2025)

Your research area:

The RTG 2473/2 SynPepBio: Bioactive Peptides - Innovative Aspects of Synthesis and Bio-synthesis is a DFG-funded research training group jointly supported by the Technische Universität Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin, the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Universität Potsdam and the FMP Berlin. Peptide research has become increasingly important in both academia and industry, and there is a high demand for well-trained and knowledgeable researchers in this field. For this reason, the Research Training Group Bioactive Peptides offers a modern research training program in peptide research for PhD students. The Research Training Group comprises 12 different research groups with scientific backgrounds in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, computational chemistry, synthetic techniques and methods that provide state-of-the-art bioanalytical and structural characterization of peptides. More detailed information can be found at:

https://www.synpepbio.de/

The advertised position as a doctoral candidate is located in the Research Group for Analytical Chemistry whose international research team focuses on complex (bio)molecular systems. A particular emphasis here is on the investigation of protein-ligand interactions. The group has many years of experience in the investigation of molecular recognition processes using NMR spectroscopy and other methods for biophysical characterization and theoretical modelling. It hosts state-of-the-art research instrumentation and laboratory facilities at Campus Golm of the University of Potsdam. Further information can be found at:

https://www.chem.uni-potsdam.de/groups/bionmr/

Your tasks:

  • Investigations on the structure, dynamics and molecular recognition of post-translationally modified peptides.
  • Investigations on the influence of post-translational modifications on proline cis/trans isomerism.
  • Investigations on the influence of post-translational modifications on the liquid-liquid phase separation of peptides.

    • Your profile:

  • University degree and Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or related disciplines relevant to peptide research
  • Theoretical and practical experience in the fundamentals of structure elucidation, biophysics or structural biology with particular interest in biomolecular NMR spectroscopy and/or experience in peptide chemistry or protein biochemistry combined with the willingness to learn biomolecular NMR spectroscopy.
  • Good knowledge of German and/or English. Willingness to acquire the missing language skills.
  • The successful applicants will have a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration in research, including molecular biology, (protein) biochemistry, bioanalytics, bioinformatics and structural biology.

    • What the University of Potsdam offers:

  • As a university, we combine the strong potential for development of a teaching and research institution with the attractive working conditions of the public sector. The University of Potsdam is a reliable employer that supports its employees with a variety of offers and benefits:
  • Make the most of the various continuing education and networking opportunities offered by the University of Potsdam to refine your subject-specific and interdisciplinary competencies for professional as well as personal growth.
  • All campuses have good transport connections. You can receive a monthly subsidy for the public transport job ticket and use our campus bicycles.
  • Benefit from a company pension scheme, a special annual payment, and capital-forming benefits.
  • Take advantage of the various offers from our Occupational Health Management unit as well as the Academic Sports Center.
  • To improve employees’ work-life balance, the University of Potsdam offers flexible working hours and a defined share of remote working hours (e.g. work from home). You have 30 vacation days per year (with a 5-day week) and are also exempt from work on December 24 and 31. Our Service for Families can advise you on how to better balance work and family life.

    • You can find more information about working at the University of Potsdam at https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/arbeiten-an-der-up/arbeitgeberin/uebersicht

    For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Heiko Möller via E-Mail: heiko.moeller@uni-potsdam.de

    Your Application:

    Please send your application by the deadline of January 5, 2025 preferably by email as a single PDF document to heiko.moeller@uni-potsdam.de, or through the postal system to the University of Potsdam, Prof. Heiko Möller, Karl-Liebknecht Str. 24-25, Haus 25, 14476 Potsdam/OT Golm.

    If you completed higher education qualifications outside the EU, please submit a German translation and the assessment of the Central Office for Foreign Education (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen – ZAB). Alternatively, please send us a PDF file from the database for the recognition and assessment of foreign higher education certificates (ANABIN).

    The University of Potsdam values the diversity of its community and pursues the goals of equal opportunity regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. Applications from abroad and from persons with a migration background are expressly encouraged. The university strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employment groups; in areas where women are underrepresented, women are given preference in case of equal suitability (Section 7 paragraph 4 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act). People with disabilities are given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. In aptitude tests and selection interviews, individual compensation measures for disadvantages are granted, taking the specific disability into consideration. If a person with a disability would like to make use of individual compensation measures, please state this in the application letter.

    If you would like us to return your application documents, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage.

    Potsdam, 25.11.2024