PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of biophysics, biochemistry and biomaterials: structure of biomolecular condensates

The DWI – Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials is a federal and state funded research institute of the Leibniz Association based on the Melaten Campus of RWTH Aachen University. International young and experienced scientists from various disciplines develop interactive materials based on the principles of nature. It is a location at which people with different talents, experiences and skills work together, in order to learn from one another and generate new knowledge and new methods to create a better quality of life in our world.

DWI offers you a wide range of possibilities to develop further both professionally and personally in an interdisciplinary setting.

DWI invites applications for a position as


We are looking for a motivated and team-oriented PhD student starting as soon as possible in the research group of Dr. Charlotta Lorenz. Our research group aims to understand and develop soft and biological materials towards biomedical and sustainable applications. We particularly focus on the interplay of liquid-liquid or liquid-solid phases in biological materials and how properties of these materials emerge from their structure. For example, we study liquid, phase-separated protein inclusions in biological polymer networks and the influence of such inclusions on the mechanics.

Our studies of phase separating proteins might eventually contribute to the understanding and treatment of neurological diseases which involve phase-separating and aggregating proteins. Concerning sustainable materials, phase separation can act as a design principle to form new and stable structures.

Biological cells are highly complex systems with many interacting components. A rapidly growing research field focuses on phase separation of proteins into biomolecular condensates, which play many essential roles in cellular function. To better understand the structure–function relationship of these condensates, this project aims to study their structure using scattering techniques. Because biomolecular condensates are involved in neurological diseases, the results may contribute to a better understanding of these diseases and, in the long term, potentially their treatment.
In this project, we sill investigate the condensate structure using a range of techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, neutron scattering, light scattering, and fluorescence microscopy. In the initial phase, the proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) will be used as model systems for biomolecular condensates. Once these systems are well established, additional protein systems will be explored. During the project, small molecules will be added, including ions, RNA, and chemicals with potential relevance to neurological disease. A particular focus will be placed on understanding structural changes during condensate dissolution. For example, a protein such as FUS is expected to expand when a phase separated droplet is brought closer to dissolution, yet, it could also expand when the droplet is stabilized. The supramolecular arrangement of phase-separated proteins in such dissolving droplets is also unknown and will be studied in this project with SAXS.
The project will involve protein handling, standard laboratory biochemistry, beamtime experiments at synchrotrons, data analysis, and comparison with physical models. The results will be integrated with theoretical modeling and simulations to gain deeper insight into condensate structure and dynamics.

• Strong supervision and many collaborations with other research groups
• Highly interdisciplinary environment
• Exciting and challenging tasks with access to internal and external networks, training opportunities, and conferences
• Individual development plans, mentoring programs, and support from experienced specialists
• Open, team-oriented work atmosphere in an international environment
• 30 days of annual leave
• Company pension plan (VBL)
• Flexible, family-friendly working conditions
• Good transportation connection with parking facilities
• Restaurants and cafeterias in close proximity
• Central location near the city center

You can expect a highly motivated team of friendly and skilled colleagues, as well as a dynamic, international environment where everyone can contribute their strengths and skills.
DWI supports the applicant to gain further qualifications. We offer our employees a broad spectrum of career opportunities in an attractive working professional environment (https://www.dwi.rwthaachen.de/seite/institutskultur). DWI supports equal opportunities; an overview on the measures can be found here: https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/equal-opportunity-and-diversity.
The DWI supports you in furthering your professional development. We offer our employees a welcoming work environment; see https://www.dwi.rwth-aachen.de/en/page/organisational-culture.
   
We at the DWI - Leibniz Institute value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality or ethnic and social background.

The position is available immediately. Compensation is based on the TV-L collective bargaining agreement.

Please apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. As soon as the position is filled, the job application will be closed.
The position is planned to start as soon as possible.

If you are interested and you are open to new professional challenges, we would be delighted to receive an application from you. If you have any questions about the job advertisement, please contact lorenz@dwi.rwth-aachen.de 
   
Please upload your complete application documents (curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts of records, list of references, letter of motivation) under "Apply for this job".
   
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