The department of Prof. Stefan Jakobs (High Resolution and Automated Microscopy) at the Göttingen site of the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), invites applications for a position as a PhD-student (M/F/D) – Protein Biochemistry and MINFLUX Super-Resolution Microscopy.
At the Göttingen location of the Fraunhofer ITMP - Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy” (TNM), our primary focus is on testing, refining, and establishing state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy techniques in the context of biologically and disease-relevant questions. We apply these advanced imaging technologies to clinically meaningful model systems in order to evaluate their robustness, scalability, and added value for translational research. By combining super-resolution microscopy with genome editing and advanced image analysis, we systematically assess how these methods can reveal disease-associated cellular phenotypes at unprecedented spatial resolution. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and industry partners, our goal is to validate and standardize these technologies so that they become fully implementation-ready for future drug discovery and pharmacological research. Among these approaches, MINFLUX represents a particularly powerful recent development. MINFLUX is a revolutionary microscopy technique that enables unprecedented optical and temporal resolution (Balzarotti et al., 2017; Ostersehlt et al., 2022; Sahl et al., 2024). Recent research has shown that this method is particularly well suited for analyzing protein motion, for example in mitochondrial membranes.
An overwhelming majority of proteins found in the mitochondria are nuclear-encoded and are imported from the cytosol via the TOM complex using specific signals. The import pore is narrow (~3nm) and requires single inward-bound proteins to be unfolded during import and refolded upon successful entry. Impaired import provokes a wide range of mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in protein aggregation on the surfaces of mitochondria and mitophagy. At the physiological level, import dysfunction lies at the root of several neurodegenerative disorders, myopathies and systemic diseases. This project aims to use state of the art 3D MINFLUX tracking established in the Jakobs group to follow single labeled sparse cargo proteins in living cells and study their transport to and import through the TOM complex.
Be part of change
* Usage of MINFLUX microscopy to track proteins during their translocation into mitochondria.
* Establishment of labeling techniques to tag proteins for MINFLUX tracking.
* Isolation of proteins and assembly of protein complexes in vitro.
* Work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
* Contribute to the preparation of presentations and research publications.
PhD students have the opportunity to participate in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Candidates will have the possibility to present their work at conferences and publish in scientific journals. Through close cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, our excellence in microscopy, and our interdisciplinary organization, we have access to a broad range of techniques and facilities.
What you contribute
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a strong interest to work with sophisticated microscopy, who is enthusiastic and works well in a team.
* Hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related fields,
* Proficient in cell culture, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
* Knowledge of cell signaling pathways is desirable.
* Has an interest in various super-resolution microscopy techniques.
* Are proficient in the English language (written and spoken).
* Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, enabling collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Your professional qualifications are complemented by a quick grasp, structured and independent way of working and a good team spirit.
What we offer
* Involvement in a highly innovative and patient-relevant topic
* High degree of creative freedom and room for own ideas in the project implementation
* Integration into a competent, friendly and committed team within an excellent research campus
* A collegial work atmosphere and the freedom to implement your own ideas
* Flexible working hours in the flexitime model, remote work options, as well as various support measures to balance private life and career
* Excellent professional and personal development opportunities through a variety of internal training programs
* 30 days of vacation entitlement as well as Christmas and New Year’s Eve as non-working days
* Personal retirement benefits (VBL) and additional (social) benefits of public service, such as annual special payment
* Capital-forming benefits
* Subsidies for the Germany ticket (Deutschlandticket)
* Corporate benefits: Offers from well-known manufacturers and brands
* Access to the extensive Fraunhofer network
The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Jakobs (E-Mail: sjakobs@gwdg.de )
Information about the Fraunhofer Institute can be found on the internet at:
This project will be in close collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI NAT) in Göttingen. Information about the research of Prof. Dr. Stefan Jakobs at the MPI NAT:
Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP
Requisition Number: 83761