Hannover Medical School, Germany At the Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology at Hannover Medical School, we are seeking a highly motivated, talented PhD candidate eager to learn and contribute to key scientific research. Students of all nationalities interested in biophysics and nanotechnology are welcome to apply. Students with a physics background and willing to learn biology and apply biophysical tools to address clinically relevant questions are encouraged to apply. Prior experience and strong interest in microscopy and programming would be a plus. Project description: Inherited cardiomyopathies are the main cause of failing heart and even sudden cardiac death (SCD) in competitive athletes and young individuals. Single point mutations in genes encoding key sarcomeric proteins, such as the major force-generating motor protein, β-cardiac myosin (β-myosin) and myosin-binding protein C (cMyBPc) are responsible for nearly 80 % of all the inherited cardiomyopathy cases. The severity of the disease depends on the site of mutations in the contractile proteins, causing impaired protein function, leading to a series of changes in the cardiac muscle and thereby compromised heart function. Our goal is to identify the primary defects in sarcomeric proteins that harbour cardiomyopathy mutations. The project aims to investigate functional changes in biophysical and biochemical properties using state-of-the-art single-molecule function-assessment techniques, such as optical trapping and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). Understanding the fundamental mechanism of sarcomeric protein function and dysfunction is key to developing effective treatment strategies. Our group has long-term and in-depth expertise and experience in the fields of motor protein biology and biophysics (e.g., Wang et al., Small doi: 10.1002/smll.202406865, Wang et al., ACS Nanoletter doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02960, Amrute-Nayak et. al., Small, doi: 10.1002/smll.201804313, Amrute-Nayak et. al., PNAS, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1316390111). We offer comprehensive training and intensive support for learning the above-mentioned methods using state-of-the-art equipments. Excellent academic scores, prior research experience, strong interest in science, and commitment to face the many challenges of the PhD work. Key competencies include analytical approach, willingness to take responsibility, patience, flexibility, and reliability. Prior experience with fluorescence microscopy and programming skills would be advantageous. Good English and German language communication and writing skills. Three-year PhD position, starting at the earliest possible date. The position is funded in accordance with the German TV-L salary scales. The opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in an international research environment with excellent research facilities, and a chance to work with experts from an interdisciplinary background An exciting project with defined objectives and clinical significance