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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
September 2026
Project title
Next-Generation Optical Instruments for the Studies of Transcription Factors
City
Dresden
Specific field of research
Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, Biophysics
Max Planck Institute
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Broad field of research
Biology & Medicine Section
Short description of the group/project/topic of research

Optical microscopy is an essential tool for studying dynamic biological processes, and the development of novel instrumentation has advanced our understanding of biology over the past few decades. As a postdoctoral researcher in this joint project, you will develop an innovative instrument to study interactions between DNA and transcription factors and elucidate the physical processes underlying the specificity of gene regulation. You will take a leading role in:

  • designing, building, and characterising a custom optical instrument; 
  • applying the instrument to biophysical studies of transcription factor–DNA interactions; 
  • independently planning and carrying out the associated scientific and technical development work;  
  • collaborating closely with researchers from both groups in an interdisciplinary environment.
Additional information

This project will be pursued in collaboration between the groups of Michael Weber and Stephan Grill, both at the MPI-CBG in Dresden.

The Weber Group works on Nanoscale Optical Bioimaging, and develops innovative optical microscopy techniques to create new tools for studying biology processes in real time at nanoscale resolution. Our lab approaches scientific challenges by combining ideas from different disciplines at the interface of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. 

The Grill Group studies how physical principles shape life. Its current work on genome organisation combines theory, in vitro reconstitution and optical tweezers to investigate collective transcription factor–DNA interactions.

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

Names and contact information of two current or past scientific mentors that can provide a letter of recommendation

Principal Investigator
Stephan Grill - Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Email: grill@mpi-cbg.de
Contact person
Gisela Bomba
bomba@mpi-cbg.de
+49 351 210 2590