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 DescriptionWe 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 ResponsibilitiesPlanning, recombinant expression, and purification of AI-designed proteinsBiochemical, biophysical and structural characterization of engineered proteinsDevelopment and optimization of new protein-based therapeuticsCollaboration with interdisciplinary teams within MDC and external partnersPreparation of scientific publications and reportsContribution to the conceptual development of a future start-up project based on the research outcomesRequirementsPhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related fieldproven experience in recombinant protein expression and purificationexperience in structural biology (in particular, in crystallography, cryo-EM) is desirablestrong motivation to conduct translational research and interest in entrepreneurshipcommunication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environmentWe offerinternational working environment with communication in English and Germaninteresting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and trainingCompatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family OfficeYou Also Benefit Froma remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemesa stimulating and international research environment at one of Europe’s leading biomedical research institutionsAccess to state-of-the-art facilities for protein production, structural biology, and biophysical analysisMentoring and career development support, including guidance for translational research and start-up creationa secure jobflexible working hours and childcare supportthe possibility of mobile workingan idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or carfree use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campusSubsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteenOn-campus health and fitness centeradditional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace