Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

Faculty 10: Biology / Institute of Molecular Physiology / Synthetic Biophysics of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Two Fully funded Postdoctoral or PhD student positions in Biophysics and/or Chemical/Synthetic Biology

full-time (100 %) / part-time (65%)

In higher eukaryotes, proteins that lack apparent folded structure are enriched in many vital processes. The group of Prof. Dr. Lemke (www.lemkelab.com) at the JGU and IMB Mainz studies interactions between intrinsically disordered proteins in vital cellular processes, such as nuclear transport and gene regulation. Since such highly dynamic and polymer-like systems are inaccessible by most conventional approaches, the group applies a multidisciplinary approach combining single molecule, microfluidics and superresolution techniques with chemical, synthetic biology and bioengineering tools.

Your tasks:

• Planning, preparation, acquisition, realisation and supervision of research projects
• Developing new methods and concepts in chemical/synthetic biology and/or biophysics for independent and internationally visible research
• Independent preparation of scientific publications and presentation at (international) scientific congresses

Your profile:

We are now looking for two PhD students or postdoctoral fellows with a strong interest in further expanding quantitative single molecule/superresolution technologies to understand the molecular mechanisms of IDPs within cells and/or to develop new chemical/synthetic biology tools to enhance the power of studying molecular mechanism with cells.
 

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.

• A successfully completed scientific university degree
• If you are applying for the PostDoc position, a doctorate in a field relevant to the position

The projects are ideally suited for candidates with a strong background in the physical sciences, engineering, advanced fluorescence techniques, biochemists, synthetic biologists, bioengineers, and chemical biologists. Physicists, chemists, or candidates with a computational background and no prior experience in cell biology or biochemistry but a strong interest in learning are encouraged to apply. Most important is an interdisciplinary interest and the ability to tackle a biological problem with various techniques, ranging from sample engineering via measurements on high-end microscopes (depending on interest, state-of-the-art commercial or custom-built equipment) to advanced computational analysis. A general strong interest in quantitative approaches towards biological problems is essential. Since the JGU and IMB Mainz offer excellent training in various aspects of these research topics, high interest and motivation are the main selection criteria. PhD candidates or postdocs from other disciplines who want to venture into these areas are explicitly welcome to apply.

An ERC advanced grant funds the group of Dr. Lemke, who also runs the Collaborative Research Centre CRC1551 (www.crc1551.com) on "Polymer concepts in cellular function" in collaboration with the local Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. Applicants should feel comfortable to work in such an interdisciplinary and international environment.

A very good knowledge of the English language is also required.
 

What we have to offer:

• The Lemke Lab is part of three PhD programs, and selected PhD candidates will be recommended to the Max Planck Graduate Center for further training (https://www.mpgc-mainz.de/)
• Jobticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area
• Extensive human resources development offers
• Flexible working time arrangements
• Postdoctoral scientists will become part of the IMB Postdoc Programme (IPP Pro) www.imb.de/students-postdocs/imb-postdoc-programme

Numeration will be according to DFG recommendations; Postdoctotral scientists at 100% EG 13 TV-L and PhD candidates at 65% EG 13 TV-L. The position is to be filled immediately. Contracts are initially limited until end of 2026, but can be extended depending on circumstances.

The position can serve the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate/habilitation).

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.

Are you ready for a new challenge and interested in this varied and responsible position? Then submit your complete application [cover letter, CV, relevant certificates (with German recognition if applicable)] by 2/1/2025, preferably via the "Apply now" button.

For questions and further information please contact Edward Lemke by e-mail: Lemke-info@uni-mainz.de.

Data protection information

Further Reading:

Visualizing the disordered nuclear transport machinery in situ. Yu M, Heidari M, Mikhaleva S, Tan PS, Mingu S, Ruan H, Reinkemeier CD, Obarska-Kosinska A, Siggel M, Beck M, Hummer G, Lemke EA. Nature. 2023 May;617(7959):162-169. doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05990-0

Reinkemeier CD, Lemke EA#. Dual film-like organelles enable spatial separation of orthogonal eukaryotic translation. Cell. 2021 Sep 16;184(19):4886-4903.e21. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.001
 

Apply now