The Independent Research Group “Protist Viruses” is offering a
Post-Doctoral Research Position
The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI-MM) is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and talented individual tojoin its interdisciplinary team as a post-doctoral researcher. The successful candidate will work on a project that is funded by the HumanFrontier Science Program and will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the University of Naples in Italy and KyotoUniversity in Japan. The project explores the diversity of glycans and glycan-modifying enzymes in giant viruses of the phylumNucleocytoviricota, which are genetically and morphologically diverse pathogens of unicellular eukaryotes (protists). Giant viruses arecrucial components of microbial ecosystems and have played important roles during eukaryotic evolution. Their genomes encodehundreds of proteins that may render giant viruses autonomous from their hosts in many biochemical pathways; however, detailed studiesin areas such as glycoslyation are often lacking. Initial studies in mimi- and phycodnaviruses have revealed an astounding repertoire ofviral glycans, and glycosyltransferase genes are frequently present in giant virus genomes. The aim of this project is to follow viral glycanassembly during the infection process and to link specific glycans with the enzymes that synthesize them.
As a post-doctoral researcher, you will work with cultured flagellates and their giant viruses to study their infection cycles using variousfluorescent labeling and microscopy techniques. You will establish siRNA gene silencing approaches to characterize the function of viralglycan-modifying enzymes. Your work will be coordinated with the chemists and bioinformaticians of our international team, but weencourage creativity and the pursuit of new ideas within the project framework.
What we expect from you:
You should hold a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (e.g., Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Sciences) and have priorexperience in molecular biology, microbiology, cellular biology or microbial ecology. Expertise in computational genome analysis isconsidered an asset.
You must be highly motivated to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental microbiology, which includes the ability to work bothindependently and within an international and interdisciplinary team. Proficiency in experimental design, numerical data analysis andscientific communication and writing is required. You should tackle and master new challenges with confidence, show meticulousattention to detail and exhibit strong critical thinking skills. The working language of the research group is English.
What we offer:
The position is offered for two years with a possible extension depending on available funding and a salary that conforms to the Germansystem for public employees (TVöD). You will be part of a motivating and supportive research group. The MPI for Marine Microbiology ishome to a vibrant scientific community and provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities, as well as ample opportunities forprofessional development and networking.
The Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology is an equal opportunity employer. The Max Planck Society is committed to employingmore disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality.
Your application:
We look forward to receiving your application, which should include a
letter of motivation
,
curriculum vitae
and
academic transcripts.
Please submit your documents by
January 31st, 2025
via our online application portal. For further information please contact Dr.Matthias Fischer (mfischer@mpi-bremen.de).
We look forward to your application!
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