PhD Position in the Systems Biophysics Group: Recreating the formation of the first cells using PURE TxTl system

Location: Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Faculty of Physics, Braun Group, Munich, Germany. Web: https://www.biosystems.physik.uni-muenchen.de/ 

Project: Recreating the formation of the first cells using PURE TxTl system.

Description:

How the first cells could establish itself on the wild early Earth is a profound mystery. We will connect our Origin of Life expertise on RNA polymerization and templated ligation using 2',3'-cyclic phosphate with our expertise to trigger protein expression from Pure by a thermal gradient. The aim is to copy on the one hand side Ribozymes from RNA or DNA templates by amino-acid enhanced templated ligation (JACS doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c10813), combine this with strand displacement at a heated air-water interface (Nature Communications doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37206-4) to aim for long term TXTL experiments by thermal feeding and foster the encapsulation of the PURE system into vesicles at the interface. The project is based on an array of preliminary results and will require a solid background in biochemistry with a profound interest into cross-disciplinary topics such as biophysical modelling using finite elements, microfluidics and mass spectrometry for analysis.

Requirements: 

• Background in biology, biochemistry and interest in biophysics. 
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

What we offer:

• A dynamic and stimulating research environment 
• Comprehensive training and support for professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with DFG guidelines (75% TV-L 13).
• Numerous LMU employee benefits, e.g. discounted fitness and cultural offers, job public transport ticket, Jobbike

Application via the Graduate School Quantitative and Molecular Biosciences Munich (QMB):

As part of QMB, you will additionally have ample opportunities for scientific exchange with world-leading scientists of various fields and develop your scientific career with lasting benefits. The international PhD training program at QMB emphasizes communication and collaboration across traditionally separate disciplines, including biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics, experimental and theoretical biophysics, and applied mathematics.

QMB places a strong emphasis on experimental work while also encouraging students to engage in theoretical approaches to derive meaningful insights from their data. This dual focus on advanced quantitative experimentation and theoretical analysis, combined with the excellence of its participating scientists, positions QMB uniquely within the European scientific landscape.

Please note: All applications have to be submitted in English through our online application tool. Applications submitted by mail or email will not be considered.

For detailed information about our application requirements see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/application/requirements/ 

In your application, you can select up to two research groups you are interested in. For details about research areas and participating research groups, please see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/research/research-areas-groups/