The Max Planck Institute of Biophysics is a leading international research center that develops biophysical, biochemical and computational methods to investigate the structure, dynamics and function of cellular systems at molecular scale. It consists of about 200 employees from more than 25 countries, and is located at the Campus Riedberg in Frankfurt am Main.

Within the Department of Molecular Sociology, led by Martin Beck, we investigate large macromolecular assemblies using state-of-the-art in situ structural biology. Our work spans nuclear transport systems, protein complex assembly, protein homeostasis, and membrane protein complexes and membrane remodeling, as well as in situ studies of viruses, including SARS-CoV‑2 and virus-like particles. We specialize in cryo-electron tomography, advanced live-cell imaging, proteomics and complementary biochemical and cell biological assays.

Research Assistant in Membrane Protein Biochemistry (f/m/d)

Project

You will join a well-equipped and thriving laboratory within a vibrant international research team boasting collaborative and collegial atmosphere. She/he will pursue a collaborative project at the interface of biochemistry and structural biology, with potential to further develop applications for drug development. You should be interested in a potential spin-out and will support the project by designing, expressing and purifying protein constructs, verifying their composition and by providing experimental validation to advance the platform.

About the position

To expand the technical expertise of our BMFTR-funded technology development project in membrane protein biochemistry, we are seeking an outstanding candidate to join our team as a Research Assistant (f/m/d). You should hold a bachelor's or master's degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry or molecular biology or a degree as a biological technicial assistant and have documented experience in:

• molecular cloning
• cell culture (ideally human tissue cell culture).
• protein expression and purification (affinity chromatography, gel filtration, ion exchange)
• protein analysis (SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, etc.)

Experience in high-throughput screening assays, mass spectrometry or flow cytometry is welcome but not required.

Our offer

• Full-time position, available immediately
• Initially limited to two years with the possibility of extension
• Salary according to TVöD, including full public-service benefits
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and training across structural biology, imaging and proteomics
• A dynamic, international working environment and excellent infrastructure
• Career development opportunities, workshops and conference participation
• Family-friendly working culture (on-campus daycare, family room)
• Corporate health programmes, subsidized Deutschland-Job-Ticket, and on-site EV charging

Your application

Please submit your application (cover letter, CV, transcripts and contact details of at least one reference) by 25 January 2026 via our online portal. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled.

For inquiries about this position please contact Patrick Hoffmann ( [email protected]).

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is committed to gender equality, diversity and increasing the proportion of researchers with disabilities.

Max Planck Institute of Biophysics

Max-von-Laue-Str. 3

60438 Frankfurt am Main

www.biophys.mpg.de