The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr studies fundamental chemical processes for energy storage in chemical molecules. The research group of Prof. Thomas Wiegand at the MPI CEC and the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen is looking for an enthusiastic postdoc!

Postdocs (m/f/d)
The starting date is flexible, temporary positions are open from May 2022.

Background

We study catalytic processes in biology and chemistry by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We are employing and developing solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) approaches to unravel catalytic reactions (e.g. hydrogenation reactions), self-assembly phenomena in the context of phase separation and protein-nucleic acid interactions for instance in motor proteins fuelled by ATP hydrolysis. A central research theme is the analysis of weak chemical interactions at the heart of molecular recognition events, particularly non-covalent ones, using fast Magic-Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR. The lab located at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen is equipped with NMR spectrometers up to 700 MHz and MAS experiments up to 100 kHz. Our vision is to develop unified concepts in catalysis bridging the gap between biology and chemistry.

Available topics

o    Investigation of the cellular organization by phase separation processes in proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases using magnetic-resonance strategies.
o    Quantum-chemical calculations of NMR observables as responses to noncovalent interactions in molecular recognition processes.

Prerequisites

Successful postdoc candidates should have a graduate science education in chemistry, biology or physics and a strong interest in spectroscopic techniques and in their applications to biomolecules. Profound experience in solid-state NMR and in biochemistry is required for the first-mentioned postdoctoral position. For the position focussing on quantum chemistry, the candidate should be experienced in using state-of-the-art software packages (TURBOMOLE, Orca, Gaussian, ADF, etc.) as well as in programming. Experience in the calculation of magnetic-resonance observables is desirable.

Our offer

We offer an international, dynamic working environment in a renowned research institute, family-friendly jobs and flexible working hours. Remuneration is according to TVöD (federal government), in line with your qualifications and professional experience. In addition, the usual social benefits of the public service (federal service) are granted.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

If you are interested in working on challenging interdisciplinary projects in structural biology and materials science, please send your complete application with the reference code TW007 by the 10th of April, 2022 by e-mail to
[email protected].
Your application should contain a curriculum vitae (CV) and the names of two professional references whom we may contact. We are looking forward to getting to know you!

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https://cec.mpg.de/en/career/data-protection-information-for-applicants/