A PhD position is available in the Freund group at FU Berlin (https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/chemie/biochemie/research-groups/freund-group/index.html). The position is limited until June 30, 2028. This collaborative project between the Quantitative Biosciences Institute at the University of California, San Francisco (QBI-UCSF) and Freie Universität Berlin, funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin, aims not only to address a critical scientific question, but also to promote scientific exchange between the participating institutions.
The project is concerned with the machinery that forms the SNARE complex in the context of synaptic transmission. With a focus on biochemistry and structural biology, the goal is to understand the conformational dynamics of SNARE complex formation when assisted by Munc18 and Munc13 proteins. NMR spectroscopy, XL-MS and electron microscopy are used to decipher the mechanistic underpinnings of SNARE complex formation. Furthermore, mutations in these proteins that lead to epilepsy or autism spectrum disorders are investigated with respect to altered protein function. In a collaborative effort with groups from FU Berlin, Charité and UCSF, we translate altered protein functions to pathophysiology at the organismic level.

Job description:
This PhD position will be based at Freie Universität Berlin in the laboratory of Protein Biochemistry. The PhD student will work closely with Drs. Freund and Krogan who are experienced mentors. The student will have the opportunity to contribute to the research project, with the possibility to travel to Krogan’s lab at UCSF (California, USA).
- Scientific research activities in the field of structural analysis of the SNARE complex formation machinery
- Expression and purification of SNARE complex proteins using different expression systems and purification methods
- Investigating the structure using NMR spectroscopy, cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL- MS) and electron microscopy
- Preparation of scientific publications and reports
- Presentation of research results at meetings and conferences

Requirements:
completed academic university degree (Master’s or Diploma) in Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics or related subjects.

Desirable:
- experience in at least two of the following techniques: protein biochemistry, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy desirable
- Solid educational training in structural biology desirable
- Strong collaborative skills and ability to work well in a complex, multidisciplinary environment across multiple teams, with the ability to prioritize effectively.