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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
September 2025
Project title
Postdoctoral Research Associate (d/f/m) in Sum-Frequency Generation Microscopy of Biomolecular Self-Assembly
City
Berlin
Specific field of research
Chemistry
Max Planck Institute
Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Broad field of research
Chemistry, Physics and Technology Section
Short description of the group/project/topic of research

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) of the Max Planck Society is an internationally renowned research institute and part of Germanys most successful research institution. Within the historic grounds in the south-west of Berlin, more than 400 employees across 5 scientific departments at the FHI conduct and facilitate top-level research in fundamental Physics and Chemistry.

The Department of Physical Chemistry in the institute focusses on the structure and dynamics of elementary processes in solids and at surfaces. Within this broader research theme, the Nonlinear Chemical Imaging group of Dr. Alexander Fellows focusses on using nonlinear light-matter interactions to probe the complex structure within 2D assemblies of biomolecules. The group currently invites applications for an open position as a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (d/f/m) in Sum-Frequency Generation Microscopy of Biomolecular Self-Assembly

with a duration of up to 3 years. 

In this position, you would join the project using the recently developed and state-of-the-art sum-frequency generation (SFG) microscope to study biomolecular self-assembly. This would primarily involve furthering the recent efforts to elucidate the heterogeneity in molecular structure formed in model phospholipid membranes (Nat. Commun. 2024, 15, 3161). Beyond this, the project aims to expand such investigations to include bilayer systems and the incorporation of proteins such that the influence of lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions can also be investigated. Finally, the project further aims to extend these studies beyond natural self-assembly to the regime involving the manipulation of membrane structure using molecular machines.

More broadly, the Nonlinear Chemical Imaging group continually strives to advance the capabilities of such nonlinear microscopy techniques and establish new methods for the elucidation of molecular structures at interfaces. As such, within this project there are several opportunities to also pursue technique development research, for example, enabling the study of more dynamical systems with SFG microscopy, as well as the development of multi-modal imaging approaches. 

Additional information

Requirements

Applicants for this position should hold a Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or a related subject and have broad knowledge in molecular spectroscopy and general optics. Furthermore, experimental experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

  • Vibrational SFG spectroscopy/microscopy
  • Ultrafast spectroscopy
  • Optical microscopy
  • Handling of proteins or other biomolecules
  • Techniques for the formation of model membranes e.g. LB/LS deposition, RSE, etc.

Moreover, candidates are expected to have

  • A collaborative spirit and ability to work in an international research environment.
  • An affinity for performing complex experiments with a high drive to solve scientific problems and overcome practical/instrumental challenges.

We Offer

  • A friendly and respectful English-speaking working environment.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Access to a world-class laboratory with state-of-the-art infrastructure and instrumentation.
  • Attractive and individualised training opportunities, e.g., through the Planck Academy, with the aim to develop the skillsets required for an independent research career.
  • Excellent connections to public transport, bicycle parking, charging stations for e-vehicles, good parking facilities.
  • Highly subsidised travel across the entirety of Germany.
Link to PI’s webpage
https://pc.fhi-berlin.mpg.de/nci/
Requirements
Requirements

Applicants have to upload their 

  • CV (including a publication list)
  • a summary of previous research
  • and a statement of interest
Additional requirements for the application

Two academic references (or the names and email addresses of at least two referees)

Principal Investigator
Alexander Fellows - Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Email: fellows@fhi-berlin.mpg.de
Contact person
Alexander Fellows
fellows@fhi-berlin.mpg.de
+493084135140