2 PhD positions are available immediately in the research group of Eva Wolf in Mainz (Germany). Research in the Wolf group is focused on the structural, biochemical and biophysical analyses of proteins involved in the circadian (day-time dependent) and circalunar (monthly) regulation of cellular, physiological and behavioral processes. We recently described molecular mechanisms and Cryo-EM structures of a marine cryptochrome (L-Cry), which is involved in the synchronization of moon-controlled maturation rhythms of marine worms with the lunar cycle (Pöhn, Krishnan et al, Nat Comm 2022; Vu, Behrmann et al, Nature Comm 2023; Zurl et al, PNAS 2022). The prospective PhD students will further characterize LCry’s reponses to sunlight and moonlight and its molecular interactions with downstream ligands. In a highly interdisciplinary approach, they will apply a wide range of techniques including UV/VIS spectroscopy, biochemical and biophysical protein interaction studies, protein expression and purification, X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, pulldown/MS, molecular biology and functional cell-based assays.
Candidates with a strong interest in structural biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics and structure-function relationship and a significant previous exposure to these research areas during their master education are encouraged to apply. Please send your application including your CV, motivation letter, certificates and contact details for two referees in one pdf file to Eva Wolf.
