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.

Postdoctoral Scientist in Subcellular Engineering (f/m/d)

Project

You will join an interdisciplinary, well-equipped and collaborative research environment. This project sits at the interface of biochemistry, structural biology and synthetic cell engineering, offering the opportunity to transform fundamental discoveries into technologies with start-up potential. We are looking for someone who enjoys innovation, can plan complex experiments independently, and is enthusiastic about technology transfer into an academic start-up setting.

About the position

We are seeking an outstanding candidate to join our team as a postdoctoral fellow (f/m/d) in our BMFTR-funded technology development project. We will explore cellular engineering of synthetic compartments and their usage in drug development. Applicants should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular/cell biology or a related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following:

• Cell line development, human tissue culture and functional assays
• Membrane protein purification and biophysical characterization
• Development of antibody or small-molecule assays for screening or drug discovery

Experience in cryo-EM/ET, 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