Katja Zieske heads new research group
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As of February 2020 Katja Zieske joined the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light to set up her laboratory. Starting in May she will head a new Max Planck research group addressing how biological systems are assembled from modular building blocks across multiple lengths scales.
The research focus of the group will be how large-scale patterns and biological functions emerge from the interactions of smaller-scale building blocks and how environmental cues modulate this functionality. In a multidisciplinary approach the group uses purified biomolecules and cells as building blocks to reconstitute mechanisms underlying spatial organization and self-assembly. To probe and analyze these mechanisms the group applies synthetic lipid membranes, microfluidic technologies and optogenetic tools.
Max Planck Research Groups
These groups offer excellent qualification opportunities for young postdoctoral researchers: leaders of these groups are appointed by the President of the Max Planck Society and – similar to directors at Max Planck Institutes – enjoy an independent status within the Institute.
All Group Leader positions are initially limited to five years, but can be extended. Group Leaders can draw on infrastructure and administration of a Max Planck Institute, but are also provided with own funds for personnel, equipment and running costs, which enable them to independently engage in their research project.