PhD position on computational design of functional protein assemblies

The Khmelinskaia group of Protein Design and Self-Assembly at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich is offering a PhD position to expand the current repertoire of self-assembling protein systems. Web: https://khmelinskaia.cup.uni-muenchen.de/

The project

Polyhedral protein assemblies, aka protein nanoparticles, are modular biomaterials that have three distinct genetically defined surfaces available for functionalization: (i) interiors, to compartmentalize molecules; (ii) exteriors, to interact with their surroundings; and (iii) inter-subunit surfaces, to determine the assembly. While recent development of computational methods for designing novel protein assemblies with atomic-level accuracy greatly expanded our engineering capabilities well beyond the natural realm, their application is still limited by their intrinsic properties. The goal of the Khmelinskaia lab is to expand the available repertoire of protein assemblies, in terms of architectural, dynamic and functional properties, to achieve application- dependent “off-the-shelf” programmability. We take a hybrid approach combining de novo computational protein design and in vitro biophysical characterization to capture the behavior of naturally occurring systems and further map out the possible assembly space. The PhD student will use the latest protein structural prediction and design neural networks, as well as Rosetta-based approaches software suite to create protein scaffolds with precise properties and characterize their assembly pathways in vitro using structural biophysical methods and microscopy techniques.

Your profile

• Enthusiasm for research in a collaborative environment
• Strong interest in solving fundamental biological problems
• Experience in computational biology, physics, biophysics, molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry (Master’s degree or equivalent)
• Excellent degrees and track record
• Very good communication skills (English)

We offer

• Challenging projects at the interface of biophysics, molecular biology and computational biology
• A stimulating, multidisciplinary and international research environment
• Supportive mentoring
• Salary in accordance to the German salary scale TV-L EG 13
• A “semester”/“jobticket” (subsidized public transport) is available
• Supplementary benefits in the public sector (pension plan according to VBL)
• Numerous offers of university sports

Application via the Graduate School Quantitative and Molecular Biosciences Munich (QMB):

As part of QMB, you will additionally have ample opportunities for scientific exchange with world-leading scientists of various fields and develop your scientific career with lasting benefits. The international PhD training program at QMB emphasizes communication and collaboration across traditionally separate disciplines, including biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics, experimental and theoretical biophysics, and applied mathematics.

QMB places a strong emphasis on experimental work while also encouraging students to engage in theoretical approaches to derive meaningful insights from their data. This dual focus on advanced quantitative experimentation and theoretical analysis, combined with the excellence of its participating scientists, positions QMB uniquely within the European scientific landscape.

Please note: All applications have to be submitted in English through our online application tool. Applications submitted by mail or email will not be considered.

For detailed information about our application requirements see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/application/requirements/ 

In your application, you can select up to two research groups you are interested in. For details about research areas and participating research groups, please see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/research/research-areas-groups/