[3dem] PhD Position – Structural Biology of Neuronal Exocytosis | Forschungszentrum Jülich

[Batra-Safferling, Renu]

Dear colleagues,

 

We are inviting applications for a PhD position in Structural Biology of
Neuronal Exocytosis at Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany.

 

The project investigates SNARE complexes in membrane-like environments using
cryo-EM and complementary structural and biophysical approaches. The
candidate will have access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities at the
Ernst Ruska-Centre (ER-C), as well as expertise in NMR spectroscopy and
X-ray crystallography at IBI-7.

 

We are seeking a candidate with a Master’s degree in a relevant field,
strong protein biochemistry experience, and previous hands-on cryo-EM
experience.

 

Application deadline: November 5, 2026

 

For full position announcement, please see below.

 

We would appreciate it if you could circulate this announcement to
interested candidates and colleagues.

 

Best regards,

Renu

______________________________

 

Prof. Dr. Renu Batra-Safferling (she/her)


 

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Institute of Biological Information Processing [IBI-7]

Building 5.8v, Room 3019 

Leo-Brandt-Straße

52428 Jülich, Germany

 

Tel:      +49 2461 619495

Fax:     +49 2461 619497

Email:  <mailto:r.batra-safferling at fz-juelich.de>
r.batra-safferling at fz-juelich.de

Web:   https://www.fz-juelich.de/ibi/ibi-7

 

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PhD Position: Structural Biology of Neuronal Exocytosis

Neuronal exocytosis is a highly regulated process that enables the rapid
release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles. Central to this process
is the controlled assembly of SNARE protein complexes, which drive membrane
fusion and are regulated by a network of associated proteins.

The PhD project will investigate the structural and molecular mechanisms
underlying SNARE complex assembly and function in membrane-like
environments. A particular focus will be placed on the development and
characterization of membrane-mimetic systems, including lipid nanodiscs and
synthetic copolymers, to study SNARE complexes and their regulatory proteins
under increasingly native-like conditions. Cryo-electron microscopy will be
combined with complementary biochemical and biophysical approaches to
characterize these systems at the molecular level.

The project offers the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary
structural biology environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, with access to
expertise in cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Cryo-EM
studies will be conducted at the state-of-the-art facilities of the Ernst
Ruska-Centre (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The expertise in NMR
spectroscopy and macromolecular crystallography at IBI-7 offers further
opportunities for complementary structural and biophysical characterization.
This combination of methods will enable the candidate to address biological
questions from different structural perspectives and to develop a broad
expertise in modern structural biology.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

*	A Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural
biology, or a related field
*	Strong practical experience in protein biochemistry, including
recombinant protein expression and purification
*	Previous hands-on experience with cryo-electron microscopy and/or
cryo-EM sample preparation
*	Interest in membrane proteins, protein–protein interactions and
structural biology
*	Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary
research team
*	Good communication skills in English

Application and Contact

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application
documents by email (ibi7-job-application at fz-juelich.de
<mailto:ibi7-job-application at fz-juelich.de> ) :

*	Academic certificates and transcripts (BSc and MSc)
*	Two references (including contact details)
*	Master’s thesis (please provide a link to the full text)

 

For further information on project, please contact
r.batra-safferling at fz-juelich.de <mailto:r.batra-safferling at fz-juelich.de>  

Application deadline: November 5, 2026

 

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