Doctoral student (m/f/d) - noncovalent interactions in phase separation processes by solid-state NMR
The research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Wiegand at the MPI CEC and the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen is looking for an enthusiastic
Doctoral student (m/f/d) for studying the role of noncovalent interactions in phase separation processes by solid-state NMR
The starting date is flexible; the temporary position is open from April 2025.
Background
We study molecular recognition events in biology and chemistry by magnetic-resonance spectroscopy. This is achieved by developing and applying a set of dedicated solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments enabling the detection and quantification of noncovalent interactions that are guiding such processes at the molecular level (for a recent review see N. Schröder, E. Bartalucci, et. al., ChemPhysChem 2024, 25, e202400537). In that vein, the group currently focuses on three selected molecular recognition processes, namely cellular organization by phase separation events, solid-state molecular recognition processes in organic mechanochemistry and recognition of substrate molecules on immobilized catalyst surfaces. The lab located at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University is equipped with NMR spectrometers up to 700 MHz enabling MAS experiments up to 111 kHz.
Available topic
The project will focus on the investigation of cellular organization by phase separation processes in proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases using magnetic-resonance strategies. The candidate will study their phase separation properties by solid-state NMR and high-resolution magic-angle spinning techniques. A key focus of the work will lie on investigating the influence of RNA on such processes and on probing protein-nucleic acid interactions using fast MAS NMR techniques that are currently developed in our laboratory. Doing so, we aim at achieving a deeper understanding of the underlying noncovalent interactions driving the phase separation process. Developing techniques to detect and quantify noncovalent interactions by proton-detected solid-state NMR using suitable model systems is thus central to this project (see e.g. Bartalucci et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e2022177). For further selected publications of our group in the field of phase separation see W. P. Lipinski, J. Zehnder et al., Chem. Eur. J. 2023, 29, e202301159; L. Emmanouilidis, E. Bartalucci, et al., Nature Chem. Biol. 2024, 20, 1044.
Prerequisites
Successful candidates should have a science education in chemistry, physics or biology and a strong interest in spectroscopic techniques. The candidate should be highly motivated in solid-state NMR method development.
Our offer
We offer an international, dynamic working environment in a renowned research institute, family-friendly jobs and flexible working hours. The salary is in accordance with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
If you are interested in this interdisciplinary project, please send your complete application with the reference code TW003 until the 15th of March, 2025 by e-mail to
Your application should contain a curriculum vitae (CV) and the names of two professional references whom we may contact. We are looking forward to getting to know you!
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