Research Associate for the Project “VALPROTOX” Protein-based functional materials

Descrizione

Testo originale dell'annuncio (in inglese)

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry. This position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of biohybrid materials. Our research focuses on the development of functional protein-based materials and the investigation of their synthesis, processing, and performance, for example, for advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this position, you will focus on protein design for protein-based adsorber materials: designing engineered protein variants with tailored binding properties and validating them experimentally to improve selectivity and material performance. Within our research group the successful candidate will be responsible for: Experimental Research design and develop engineered protein variants with tailored functional properties using rational design approaches perform molecular biology workflows, including recombinant protein production and purification of engineered protein variants generate modified protein-based materials and investigate how protein modifications affect material properties and adsorption behavior establish and optimize workflows for the quantitative evaluation of material performance in iterative design, testing, and optimization cycles Functional Evaluation and Data Analysis develop and perform quantitative assays to evaluate the functional properties of engineered protein-based materials analyze experimental data to relate molecular design to material properties and functional performance, and use the results to guide further optimization maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activities and findings Method Development develop and optimize experimental methods for the characterization and evaluation of functional protein materials improve and standardize assay workflows to enhance selectivity, reproducibility, and comparability between different material variants Collaboration and Communication work collaboratively within the group and with interdisciplinary project partners, coordinating with colleagues responsible for material synthesis and structural characterization present research findings in group meetings, departmental seminars, and international conferences prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reporting across collaborating work packages Mentoring mentor undergraduate and master's students involved in related research projects Compliance and Safety ensure compliance with safety regulations and ethical standards and actively participate in laboratory safety training Your profile A university degree in a relevant field. Candidates are required to have: master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Materials Science, or a closely related field practical laboratory experience in protein engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related areas experience with recombinant protein expression and purification is advantageous knowledge of computational protein design and protein redesign approaches (e.g., structure-based design or related computational tools) is highly desirable interest in combining computational approaches with experimental validation for the development of functional protein-based materials strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design, perform, and evaluate experiments independently ability to analyze experimental data and derive conclusions to guide iterative optimization strategies good organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate experimental records good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research team excellent proficiency in English, both written and oral; knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD