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The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) belongs to the „Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (FVB)“. The FVB is an institution of eight natural sciences research institutes in Berlin funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the association of its federal states. The research institutes are members of the Leibniz association. 

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) is a non-university academic research organisation dedicated to basic biomedical research and is located at the Research Campus Berlin-Buch in close vicinity to the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Experimental and Clinical Research Center.

 The research unit Structural Chemistry & Computational Biophysics led by Prof. Han Sun is looking for a

PhD student (f/m/d)

(Ref. 12/2023)

 The positions are to be filled as soon as possible and initially limited to 3 years with the potential for extension.

 Project description:

Peptide-based natural and synthetic molecules constitute an essential drug class used in the treatment of various diseases. Unlike small molecules, peptides often exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets but generally have limited cell permeability. In contrast, cyclic peptides, when compared to linear peptides, demonstrate enhanced oral availability and cell-penetrating properties. The objective of this project is to unravel the mechanism of cell penetration by cyclic peptides using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our specific aim is to develop innovative methods that enable better characterization of the conformational behavior of cell-penetrating peptides, employing a combination of anisotropic NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations (For similar methods, please refer to some of our previous publications: doi:10.1021/jacs.9b10961, doi:10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00257, https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119802280.ch13).

The recruited PhD student will be integrated into the research training group on bioactive peptides (SynPepBio, https://www.synpepbio.de) and will pursue their PhD degree at the FMP and the Technical University of Berlin. They will have access to outstanding training opportunities in peptide research and will actively collaborate and interact with other researchers within the SynPepBio.

 Requirements:

We are seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and talented young student to join our enthusiastic and collaborative team in an exceptional scientific environment for research. The successful candidates should possess a Master’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry and have experience or a solid understanding of NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and/or quantum-mechanics calculations. Candidates with additional experience in natural products or peptide chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply.

 We offer:

·      An stimulating environment within a pleasant and friendly working atmosphere, supported by excellent infrastructure

·       Employment with all benefits associated with the public service

·       Opportunities to work with leading natural product and peptide chemists from around the world

·       Participation in first-class conferences and workshops

·       Family services and support

 

For more information please contact:

Prof. Han Sun; E-mail: hsun@fmp-berlin.de

Homepage FMP: https://leibniz-fmp.de/research/research-section/chemical-biology/han-sun

 

Salaries will be based on the TVöD scale. In 2013 the institute was awarded the certificate of the audit Beruf und Familie as a family-friendly employer. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender and welcome applications of disabled candidates. They will be preferred in case of equal qualification.

How to Apply: Please send your application including motivation letter, CV, names and contacts of two references and copies of degree certificates as soon as possible but not later than July 30, 2023.     

to Ms. Marina Spors (spors@fmp-berlin.de)    We are looking forward to your application!

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