Postdoctoral Researcher in Sample Preparation for High-resolution Cyro-em and X-ray-diffraction Imaging

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSPO002/2025 | Deadline: 25.02.2025 | Full-time/Part-time

DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.

The CFEL Controlled Molecule Imaging group (CMI) develops innovative methods to obtain full control over molecules and nanoparticles. These methods and the created controlled samples are exploited in fundamental physics and chemistry studies to unravel the underlying mechanisms of chemistry and biology by watching molecules at work.

The CMI group has openings to work on novel sample preparation and control concepts for a wide range of experiments in structural biology, including high-resolution single-particle x-ray diffractive imaging and cryo-electron microscopy. You will implement and advance techniques to shock-freeze solvated biological nanoparticles and macromolecules to image and characterize these samples, implement control techniques such as species selection and laser alignment, and exploit them in single-particle imaging experiments. We collaborate closely with colleagues in (time-resolved) structural biology, infection biology, and the life sciences.
- About your role:

- Research in the field of dynamics and imaging of controlled molecules and nanoparticles with the aim of generating intense beams of highly controlled aerosol nanoparticles
- Developing and implementing an experimental methodology that allows the spatial separation of macromolecular conformers
- Good reasons to join:
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
- About you:

- Doctoral degree in physics, biophysics, structural biology, chemical physics, physical chemistry, or related field
- Extensive Experience in the development, setup, commissioning, and operation of novel experimental approaches
- Experience in several of the following fields: aerosol physics and fluid dynamics, electron or x-ray imaging, bio-sample handling, biophysics, vacuum operation, cryogenics, laser physics, light or particle detectors
- Team player, also in interdisciplinary collaborations, with excellent communication skills in EnglishYou can find further information here:
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392