The department of Prof. Stefan Jakobs (High Resolution and Automated Microscopy) at the Göttingen site of the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), invites applications for a position as a PhD-student (M/F/D) – Protein Biochemistry and MINFLUX Super-Resolution Microscopy. At the Göttingen location of the Fraunhofer ITMP - Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy” (TNM), our primary focus is on testing, refining, and establishing state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy techniques in the context of biologically and disease-relevant questions. We apply these advanced imaging technologies to clinically meaningful model systems in order to evaluate their robustness, scalability, and added value for translational research. By combining super-resolution microscopy with genome editing and advanced image analysis, we systematically assess how these methods can reveal disease-associated cellular phenotypes at unprecedented spatial resolution. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and industry partners, our goal is to validate and standardize these technologies so that they become fully implementation-ready for future drug discovery and pharmacological research. Among these approaches, MINFLUX represents a particularly powerful recent development. MINFLUX is a revolutionary microscopy technique that enables unprecedented optical and temporal resolution (Balzarotti et al., 2017; Ostersehlt et al., 2022; Sahl et al., 2024). Recent research has shown that this method is particularly well suited for analyzing protein motion, for example in mitochondrial membranes. An overwhelming majority of proteins found in the mitochondria are nuclear-encoded and are imported from the cytosol via the TOM complex using specific signals. The import pore is narrow (~3nm) and requires single inward-bound proteins to be unfolded during import and refolded upon successful entry. Impaired import provokes a wide range of mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in protein aggregation on the surfaces of mitochondria and mitophagy. At the physiological level, import dysfunction lies at the root of several neurodegenerative disorders, myopathies and systemic diseases. This project aims to use state of the art 3D MINFLUX tracking established in the Jakobs group to follow single labeled sparse cargo proteins in living cells and study their transport to and import through the TOM complex.
Be part of change
PhD students have the opportunity to participate in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Candidates will have the possibility to present their work at conferences and publish in scientific journals. Through close cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, our excellence in microscopy, and our interdisciplinary organization, we have access to a broad range of techniques and facilities.
What you contribute
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with a strong interest to work with sophisticated microscopy, who is enthusiastic and works well in a team. Your professional qualifications are complemented by a quick grasp, structured and independent way of working and a good team spirit.
What we offer
The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Jakobs (E-Mail: sjakobs@gwdg.de) Information about the Fraunhofer Institute can be found on the internet at: https://www.itmp.fraunhofer.de/de/institut/standorte/goettingen.html This project will be in close collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI NAT) in Göttingen. Information about the research of Prof. Dr. Stefan Jakobs at the MPI NAT: www.rsfp.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP
Requisition Number: 83761
Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ist eine der führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung: Seit der Gründung 1949 stärken Fraunhofer-Institute die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Wirtschaft und den Innovationsraum in Deutschland und Europa. Mit ganzheitlichen Angeboten für Wirtschaft und Politik liefert Fraunhofer Lösungen für branchenübergreifenden Impact. Darüber hinaus ist die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ein bedeutender Standortfaktor für das Innovationsland Deutschland: Durch die Aktivitäten erhöhen sich Investitionseffekte in der Wirtschaft, erlangen Unternehmen innovationsbasierte Wettbewerbsvorteile, entstehen Arbeitsplätze, Fachkräfte werden qualifiziert und es steigt die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz moderner Technik.
