Dear colleagues, I would like to draw your attention to an open position for a doctoral student embedded in the newly established Collaborative Research Center TRR-386 “Hyperpolarization in Molecular Systems", which is available in my laboratory located at the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry at RWTH Aachen University (Germany) from October 2023 on.
The project in collaboration with Dr. Georg Künze (University of Leipzig) and Prof. Dr. Björn Corzilius (University of Rostock) aims at investigating the distance dependence of direct DNP under magic-angle spinning NMR and develop experiments for modeling of atomic distances in biomolecules based on such measurements. We plan to implement a combined approach relying on paramagnetic solid-state NMR, direct DNP with paramagnetic metal ions and structural modelling to facilitate biomolecular structure determination of proteins and protein-nucleic acid complexes. The PhD student working under my supervision will mostly develop and apply paramagnetic solid-state NMR approaches, e.g. using proton-detected solid-state NMR under fast magic-angle spinning. A particular focus will be to derive long-range distance restraints allowing to model protein-nucleic acid complexes. Such models are essential for calibrating the distance-dependent direct DNP experiments. Intensive laboratory rotations are planned so that the PhD candidate will get insights as well into molecular modelling (Künze lab) and DNP experiments (Corzilius lab).
For more information please see below.
I would be happy if you could distribute the job offer to interested candidates.
Thank you in advance and all the best,
Thomas Wiegand
Thomas Wiegand
Professor for Magnetic Resonance of Complex Materials and Catalysts
Heisenberg fellow
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Mülheim a. d. Ruhr/ Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University
Worringerweg 2
52074 Aachen (Germany)
Room: 38B012
Phone: +49 241 80 26420
E-Mail: thomas.wiegand@cec.mpg.de; wiegand@itmc.rwth-aachen.de
The TRR-386 (https://www.hypmol.net/) will focus on the controlled realization of transient spin order of electrons or magnetic nuclei, i.e., of hyperpolarization, in molecular systems. This is expected to have a major impact in three research areas of chemistry and physics, namely magnetic resonance, spintronics and spin-chemistry which will be merged. To this end, the TRR-386 will contribute to the fundamental understanding of generation of electronic and nuclear spin hyperpolarization, its transport through molecular structures and its control. We expect implications towards applications for example in medicine, multifunctional electronics, and efficient chemical catalysis.
About the position:
Fixed term of 3 years
75 % of a full-time position
Planned remuneration: salary group E13 TV-L
Location of service: Aachen (Germany)
Duties
Performance of solid-state NMR experiments
Interpretation of NMR spectra
Expression of proteins and paramagnetic spin-labelling of those
Development of novel DNP approaches in close interaction with the project partners
Requirements
Master degree in Chemistry, Biology or Physics
Experience in performing NMR experiments, experience in solid-state NMR is desirable
Experience in practical chemical or biochemical laboratory work, experiences with protein expression are desirable
Motivation to collaboration in an interdisciplinary team
High communication skills
What we offer
A modern workplace and attractive working conditions (mobile working)
Flexible working hours and work-life balance
Goal-oriented staff development throughout your working life, with opportunities for continuing professional development
Pension plan
Excellent access to interdisciplinary perspectives, e.g. within the Integrated Research Training Group of the SFB
Please send your application by mail with the usual documents, quoting reference A2_Wiegand, as a single PDF file to wiegand@itmc.rwth-aachen.de by latest 14 August 2023. Please note that it is not possible to guarantee confidentiality and rule out unauthorised access by third parties when communicating by unencrypted email.
Alternatively, send your application by mail to: RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (IKZ 156620), Professor Dr. Thomas Wiegand, Worringerweg 2, 52074 Aachen. We kindly request that you submit copies only, as we are unable to return application documents. Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.