Fachbereich Biologie, Chemie, Pharmazie - Institut für Chemie und Biochemie GRK2662

The DFG-funded international research training group GRK “charging into the future : understanding the interaction of polyelectrolytes with biosystems” aims to improve our understanding of the molecular interactions between polyelectrolytes such as DNA, proteins, or heparin with complex biological systems.

Project A1 under the guidance of Dr. Marina Pigaleva focuses on investigating how proteins interact with charged polysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans, GAGs) and how these interactions influence protein stability, flexibility, and complex formation. Various spectroscopic techniques are used, with a special focus on developing nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) combined with dynamic light scattering (DLS) method to study thermal unfolding, aggregation, and conformational flexibility of proteins and their complexes. Together with our collaboration partners, we relate these thermodynamic and structural properties to biologically relevant functions, such as inflammation control in sepsis (HMGB1 / GAG complexes) and axonal growth in the extracellular matrix (netrin / GAG complexes).

Job description :

The successful candidate will support the scientific project by performing the nanoDSF measurements and complimentary spectroscopic techniques (CD, fluorescence, UV-vis spectrosocpy) of proteins of interests at different solvent conditions and their complexes with GAGs.

The role includes supporting careful evaluation and organization of experimental data, preparation of figures / presentations for internal discussions and reports.

Desirable :

• Enrolled Bachelor or Master student in biochemistry, chemistry, physics or related subjects
• proven Knowledge in physical / theoretical chemistry
• ideally basic expertise in protein spectroscopy and basic protein handling techniques (NanoDrop, SDS-PAGE, buffer exchange).
• good English skills (B2 level or higher).

Please include in your application documents a motivation letter, your CV and your certificates.