5 Oct 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Department: Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry)
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Chemistry » Biochemistry
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 5 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin)
- Country: Germany
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
PhD Position: Structural Biology of Neuronal Exocytosis
Neuronal exocytosis is a highly regulated process that enables the rapid release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles. Central to this process is the controlled assembly of SNARE protein complexes, which drive membrane fusion and are regulated by a network of associated proteins.
The PhD project will investigate the structural and molecular mechanisms underlying SNARE complex assembly and function in membrane-like environments. A particular focus will be placed on the development and characterization of membrane-mimetic systems, including lipid nanodiscs and synthetic copolymers, to study SNARE complexes and their regulatory proteins under increasingly native-like conditions. Cryo-electron microscopy will be combined with complementary biochemical and biophysical approaches to characterize these systems at the molecular level.
The project offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary structural biology environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, with access to expertise in cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Cryo-EM studies will be conducted at the state-of-the-art facilities of the Ernst Ruska-Centre (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The expertise in NMR spectroscopy and macromolecular crystallography at IBI-7 offers further opportunities for complementary structural and biophysical characterization. This combination of methods will enable the candidate to address biological questions from different structural perspectives and to develop a broad expertise in modern structural biology.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or a related field
- Strong practical experience in protein biochemistry, including recombinant protein expression and purification
- Previous hands-on experience with cryo-electron microscopy and/or cryo-EM sample preparation
- Interest in membrane proteins, protein–protein interactions and structural biology
- Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary research team
- Good communication skills in English
Application and Contact
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application documents by email ([contact details available in the full listing]):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic certificates and transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Two references (including contact details)
- Master’s thesis (please provide a link to the full text)
For further information on project, please contact [contact details available in the full listing]
Application deadline: November 4, 2026
Where to apply
E-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Excellent
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Country: Germany
- City: Jülich
- Postal Code: 52428
- Street: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Institute of Biological Information Processing Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7)
Contact
- City: Jülich
- Website: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/ibi/ibi-7
- Street: Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße
- E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
- Phone: [contact details available in the full listing]
