1) Cell-Free Reconstitution and Optical Control of Protein Patterns at Lipid Membranes 

The successful candidate will use lipid model membranes and purified proteins (incl. optogenetic proteins) to establish assays for the self-assembly of protein pattern on the mesoscale. We will use fluorescent microscopy techniques for quantitative analysis.

2) Optical Control of Multicellular Organization

We want to use minimal model systems for multicellular organization and optogenetics to investigate the emergence of morphogenesis. The successful applicant will also use hydrogels and microfabrication technologies to engineer well-defined synthetic environments for the analysis of multicellular systems.

For these PhD positions a strong interest in interdisciplinary research between life sciences and quantitative sciences, ambition, academic achievements (e.g. grades) and the ability to take responsibility over a project are part of the selection criteria. Hands-on experience with relevant methods will be beneficial, but it is not a prerequisite for applying.

Application material: 1) letter of motivation, 2) short abstract about master project, 3) CV, 4) transcript of records, 5) if available: school leaving certificate, 6) contact details of two academic references. We will only consider complete applications for this position. Send your application by April 15, 2023. 

A good motivation letter should include:

• A statement to which position you are applying for 
• Your academic background and relevant soft skills and technical skills for this position
• Your motivation for applying and your genuine interests 
• What makes you the ideal candidate for this specific position?
• What are your ambitions regarding your future career?

Summer semester 2023/ Winter semester 2023/24: 

We have projects for master- or bachelor students, who are interested in one of the following areas:

• Optical Lithography and microfluidics
• Protein printing with light

If you are a student at FAU and want to learn more about our lab and projects, please contact Katja Zieske.

For more information on positions on the PhD and Postdoc level, internships and student projects please contact us (katja.zieske@mpl.mpg.de).

katja.zieske@mpl.mpg.de

Zieske Research Group

MPI for the Science of Light

Staudtstr. 2

D-91058 Erlangen, Germany