The Department of Cellular Biophysics (Prof. Dr. Joachim P. Spatz) invites applications for PhD students in the field of synthetic biology and bioinformatics starting as soon as possible.

The project focuses on the investigation of bottom-up synthetic bacteriophage-like virions as a technology to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Potential working areas of the candidates can include microbiological work with bacteria and bacteriophages, protein purification, protein design and engineering and bioinformatics and AI-based approaches towards bacteriophage therapy.

Candidates should be highly motivated, with a passion for synthetic biology, protein design including AI-based methods, and should have completed (or soon will have completed) a Master’s degree in biology, (bio-)chemistry, physics, or related fields. Critical thinking, attention to detail and the ability to work independently are crucial for success. Previous experience with AI-based tools and bioinformatics is desirable. The working language of the project group is English.

• interesting, diversified tasks with self-responsibility
• flexible working hours
• highly motivated and interdisciplinary work environment
• payment based on TVöD guidelines

PhD positions are limited to three years with the possibility of extension. Candidates can choose between one of several PhD programs at the University of Heidelberg. The work will be carried out at the Max Planck Institutes in Heidelberg or Stuttgart.

We look forward to receiving your application via the website in electronic format no later than 31st March 2025.

At the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, one of the 84 institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science, physicists, chemists, and biologists create knowledge of long‑term relevance to life and basic medical sciences. Currently, our around 270 employees are divided into four departments and two Max Planck Research Groups. In addition, the institute is part of the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim – an association of the leading life science research institutions in the region.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. A daycare center for children is located near the institute.

For further information, please contact Ms. Ann-Kathrin
Gelmroth (ann-kathrin.gelmroth@mr.mpg.de).
For general questions, please contact Ms. Julia Gauglitz (julia.gauglitz@mr.mpg.de) or Ms. Sabrina Giacalone (sabrina.giacalone@mr.mpg.de) from human resources.

Max Planck Institute for
Medical Research
Jahnstraße 29
69120 Heidelberg
Germany

www.mr.mpg.de/en
Bluesky: @mpi-mr.bsky.social