PhD project: Molecular dynamics of Innate Immune protein condensates

The research group of Marcus J. Taylor at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin is interested in how immune cells decode chemical information. We aim to understand how immunological signaling molecules self-organize to detect and respond to the molecular signals of disease and infection. We have developed microscopy-based assays and approaches that allow us to visualize immune signaling at the single-molecule level within live cells.

Project Description:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD student to join our research group. The project will examine the assembly and disassembly of the Myddosome signaling network. The Myddosome is a specialized membrane-less organelle of the innate immune system. We have discovered that Myddosomes assemble and disassemble with an intricate molecular choreography. The central questions this PhD project will address are: what are the molecular mechanisms that control assembly, disassembly and signal transduction of molecular condensates in live immune cells? To address these questions we have, in collaboration. Developed a Phase Portrait analysis, an analytical technique that examines the trajectories of a dynamical system. The student will learn to apply this analysis to live cell fluorescence microscopy data that visualizes the dynamics of Myddosome condensates.

This project is a collaboration between labs based in Dresden and Abu Dhabi. The student will have the opportunity to travel to meet and work with collaborators.

Research in your Ph.D. will include (but is not limited to):
• Cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy techniques (TIRF, confocal microscopy, and single-molecule methods, etc.)
• Developing and applying advanced image analysis pipelines in R and Python programming languages.
• The opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project that combines experimental and theoretical approaches.

We offer:
• outstanding research and training opportunities with access to state-of-the-art facilities
• an excellent scientific network
• a structured graduate school program – students will be registered with the prestigious International Max Planck Research School for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IMPRS-IDI) with a curriculum adapted to the projects and a strong PhD student community
• a stimulating international and multi-disciplinary research environment on a thriving campus in the heart of Berlin

We are looking for:
• creative and highly motivated Ph.D. students of all nationalities who are strongly committed to research
• applicants must have an excellent M.Sc. or equivalent degree with a strong background in physics, biophysics, or biochemistry.
• candidates must have strong computational and data analysis skills

Interested in joining us?
To apply, please submit your application via our online application portal https://imprs-app.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de until October 31st 2022.

For more information on the projects and application process, please check the IMPRS-IDI website at:
https://www.mpiib-berlin.mpg.de/2130415/imprs-idi-call-for-applications-2023

Contact: IMPRS-IDI Coordination Office (imprs-office@mpiib-berlin.mpg.de)