Research assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d)

The Absmeier group (https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/chemie/biochemie/research-groups/absmeier-group/index.html ) is interested in the regulation of mRNA translation and decay. We recombinantly produce proteins and protein complexes (mainly in bacteria and insect cells) and use them for functional studies and in vitro reconstitution of biological systems (such as in vitro translation and deadenylation). Translation and mRNA decay complexes are subsequently analyzed by an integrative structural biology approach (cryogenic electron microscopy, macromolecular crystallography, in silico structure prediction (AlphaFold) and crosslinking mass spectrometry).

Job description:
Participation in research and teaching are expected.
A PhD position (50%) is available in the Absmeier group at Freie Universität Berlin, investigating the role of RNA helicases in mRNA translation. RNA helicases are key players that act at every step of RNA metabolism. They can directly unwind RNA structures, remodel RNA-protein complexes, act as molecular clamps or serve as protein-protein interaction platforms. This project involves the recombinant production of RNA helicases, establishing in vitro translation assays and structural studies of translation-helicase complexes.
The activity serves one`s own scientific qualification.

Requirements:
Completed university degree (M.Sc. or Diploma degree) in biochemistry or related subjects.

Desirable:
Candidates are expected to have a good understanding and an experimental background in protein biochemistry and/or structural biology. The project involves the recombinant production of proteins and protein complexes (bacteria, insect cells), interaction studies between proteins and/or RNA, functional studies and structural studies.

Advantageous skills:

• Molecular cloning (e. g. restriction-, Gibson cloning, site-directed-mutagenesis)
• Recombinant production of proteins and protein complexes in Escherichia coli and insect cells
• Purification of recombinant proteins with various methods
• Interaction studies for protein-protein interactions or protein-RNA interactions (e.g. analytical gelfiltration, pulldown)
• Experimental and theoretical background in structural biology (e.g. macromolecular crystallography, cryogenic electron microscopy, crosslinking mass-spectrometry)
• Experience in human cell culture
• High motivation to drive the project and work independently
  * Good teamwork
  * Good spoken and written English

For further information, please contact Dr. Eva Absmeier (eva.absmeier@fu-berlin.de /
03083850508).

Applications should comprise significant documents such as: study records, the name of two
reviewers for letters of recommendation, a motivation letter and a CV and should be sent by
e-mail, stating the reference code no later than November 4th 2024
Absmeier_Translation_EN in PDF format (as one document) to Dr. Eva Absmeier:
eva.absmeier@fu-berlin.de or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Biologie, Chemie, Pharmazie
Institut für Chemie und Biochemie
Dr. Eva Absmeier
Takustr. 6
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.