Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Protein Bioengineering

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

Our diverse workforce is a core strength that inspires creativity and innovation at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC).
The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease. The Daumke Group at the MDC combines structural biology, biochemical and cell biological methods to understand the molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking. In the current project, we seek to develop novel protein therapeutics targeting cancer-related signaling pathways.

The current position is a part of the Helmholtz Bioengineering Consortium, including generative AI experts, structural and molecular biologists and clinicians to develop anticancer therapeutics by protein design.

Job Description

We will start from basic principles of protein-protein interactions and design protein binders that influence these mechanisms. We will then produce the proteins and will test them biochemically and functionally in vitro, in cells and in organoids, going through rounds of continuous optimization with reinforcement learning. The anticipated output of the project is a preclinical candidate and a biotech spin-off.

Your Responsibilities:

• Planning, recombinant expression, and purification of AI-designed proteins
• Biochemical, biophysical and structural characterization of engineered proteins
• Development and optimization of new protein-based therapeutics
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams within MDC and external partners
• Preparation of scientific publications and reports
• Contribution to the conceptual development of a future start-up project based on the research outcomes

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field
• proven experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
• experience in structural biology (in particular, in crystallography, cryo-EM) is desirable
• strong motivation to conduct translational research and interest in entrepreneurship
• communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

We offer

• international working environment with communication in English and German
• interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• a stimulating and international research environment at one of Europe’s leading biomedical research institutions
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for protein production, structural biology, and biophysical analysis
• Mentoring and career development support, including guidance for translational research and start-up creation
• a secure job
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• the possibility of mobile working
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace