Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Energetics of Biological Systems

Job Code: 2022-Postdoc-Energetics-2430

Job Offer from November 15, 2022

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, is an international research institute focused on cell and developmental biology. Currently about 500 employees from over 50 countries work at the institute in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment. Our research programs are interdisciplinary and span multiple scales of magnitude, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. MPI-CBG has twice been awarded the title “Best Place to Work” (Academia and postdocs) by the journal “The Scientist”. Employees appreciate the collegial atmosphere, as well as the family-friendly and flexible working conditions.

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the Energetics of Biological Systems.

Job Description

The Rodenfels group pursues interdisciplinary experimental research at the interface of cell & developmental biology, metabolism, biochemistry, and physical bioenergetics. Our goal is to understand how flows of energy, matter and cellular metabolism shape the behavior of out of equilibrium biological systems such biochemical networks, cells and developing organisms.

The lab uses calorimetry to quantify the energy exchanged in form of heat between biological systems and their environment, in combination with quantitative (live) imaging, metabolomics, analytical biochemistry, and perturbations. Together these approaches open up an exciting number of questions, excellent research opportunities and lots of freedom to shape a project. Some new opportunities/projects could be to

•   expand the calorimetry approach to infer the entropy production of cellular/embryonic homeostasis, growth and development
•   elucidate the interplay between the embryonic metabolism and energy expenditure with spatiotemporal resolution
•   study how energetics and metabolism constrain cellular and embryonic physiology or
•   investigate the energetics of biochemical oscillators.

Your qualifications

As a lab, we value enthusiasm, creativity, respect, trust, honesty, collegiality, rigor, humor and fun in doing science together as a team. We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with similar values, good knowledge of English and at least one first-author publication to complement our team from an imaging, metabolomic, quantitative/systems biology and/or (bio)engineering perspective.

The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline with some affinity for quantitative analysis. Research activities will fall into the fields of cellular metabolism, spatiotemporal energy and matter fluxes, and non-equilibrium systems and experience in related areas would be of advantage. Furthermore, the candidate is able to use different model systems in the context of cells, tissue and entire model organisms.

Our offer

The full-time position is available immediately for an initial period of 2 years with the possibility of extension. Salary and social benefits will be in accordance with the regulations of the German TVöD Bund (salary agreement for public service employees, up to level E13). The MPI-CBG offers a JobTicket in collaboration with the VVO, as well as a broad network for career development and training opportunities through the Max Planck Society.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Your application

Interested candidates should submit the following materials via our online application system stating Code: 2022-Postdoc-Energetics-2430

•   cover letter indicating the motivation to apply for this position
•   CV
•   2 letters of recommendation or names of potential references
•   a short statement of the candidate’s previous research accomplishments (<1 page).

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Jonathan Rodenfels rodenfels@mpi-cbg.de .

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden
Germany