Summary
Are you an experimentalist fascinated by how proteins and peptides condense, aggregate, and crystallize? Join the newly established research group Phase Transition Engineering (Dr. Leif-Thore Deck) at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems Magdeburg, Germany. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to fundamental advancements in understanding biomolecular phase transitions and their role in industrial processes, utilizing droplet microfluidics and complementary bulk assays.
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) | Biomolecular Phase Transitions from Microfluidics to Processes
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
Research Area
- Biomolecular Phase Transitions
- Microfluidics
- Protein/Peptide Condensation, Aggregation, Crystallization
- Phase Separation
- Chemical or Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics
Location
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
Required:
- PhD in chemical or bioengineering, biophysics, physical chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience with microfluidics (e.g., device fabrication, droplet generation) and fluorescence microscopy.
- Experience in handling and characterizing biomolecules such as proteins or peptides.
- A quantitative mindset and interest in linking experiments with theory.
- A strong publication record relative to career stage.
- Team spirit, good communication skills, and very good knowledge of English.
Desired (a plus):
- Basic proficiency in German.
- Experience with liquid–liquid phase separation, protein aggregation, or crystallization.
- Image analysis and programming (e.g., Python).
- Supervising students.
Job Description
The successful candidate will join the Phase Transition Engineering research group, focusing on how solids and other condensed phases form from fluids, from nucleation and crystal growth to protein aggregation and phase separation. The project involves studying biomolecular phase transitions using high-throughput droplet microfluidics and complementing these measurements with bulk assays. The goal is to quantify thermodynamics and kinetics, such as phase diagrams and nucleation and growth rates, and interpret them with theory and modeling.
Key Tasks:
- Help establish the group’s microfluidics and biomolecular lab.
- Design and carry out microfluidic and bulk experiments on phase separation, aggregation, and crystallization of proteins and peptides.
- Contribute to the development of a liter-scale precipitation platform, bridging scales from droplets to processes.
- Quantify thermodynamics and kinetics and interpret them with theory and modeling.
- Mentor PhD and Master’s students.
- Publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to grant proposals.
We Offer:
- Opportunity to develop your own research questions with mentoring towards an independent career.
- Support with fellowship and grant applications.
- Opportunity to help build up the lab of a young group.
- Infrastructure and resources of a Max Planck Institute.
- An interdisciplinary, international team and a network with leading universities and industrial partners.
- Funding for international conferences, plus career development and training programs of the Max Planck Society.
- A three-year contract and salary according to TVöD (Bund), E13, 100%.
How to Apply
Please register via the online application portal and upload your complete application documents:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- Certificates
- Reference letters
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome. Qualified women and severely disabled people are particularly encouraged to apply.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Apply Link
Apply via the Max Planck Society online application portal
