Postdoc position in Molecular Biology & Biophysics - Hospenthal Group

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to investigate how DNA is translocated from the extracellular environment into the bacterial cytoplasm, where it is incorporated into the genome. To do this you will:

• Express and purify proteins.
• Conduct quantitative binding experiments (protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions).
• Produce stable complexes between proteins and/or DNA.
• Determine structures of proteins/complexes.
• Design mutants and perturbations for in vivo experiments.
• Perform in vivo functional assays (e.g. microbiological approaches, fluorescence microscopy).

Ideal candidates are proactive, adaptable, and capable of precise, timely work. Since our group primarily operates in English, strong English skills are essential. Further project details will be discussed during the interview. The anticipated start date is no later than February 2026.

• PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology or related curriculum.
• Motivation to tackle complex and interesting mechanistic questions.
• Research interest in horizontal gene transfer, natural transformation, membrane proteins, DNA transporters.
• Experience with protein expression and purification.
• Experience with quantitative biophysical methods (e.g. fluorescence anisotropy, ITC, SPR).
• Experience with cryo-EM workflow (sample/grid preparation, data acquisition, data processing, model building and interpretation).
• The writing of scientific papers and active participation in internal meetings and in international conferences will require a good knowledge of English.
• Ability to work independently, as well as to contribute to a collaborative lab culture.