About us

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences is a leading international research institute of exceptional scientific breadth. With more than 40 research groups and some 1,000 employees from over 50 nations, it is the largest institute of the Max Planck Society. 

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced postdoctoral researcher in structural biology of transcription regulation to join our team that investigates gene transcription and its regulation. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms behind transcription regulation by reconstituting transcription complexes at different stages of the transcription cycle in vitro, and determine their three-dimensional structures by cryo-EM. Currently, we investigate the transitions between different phases of transcription, the hierarchy of transcription regulation as well as single molecule approaches. The team is a part of the current MPS president’s Department of Molecular Biology (MPI-NAT, Göttingen, http://www.mpinat.mpg.de/cramer). Within this department we work collaboratively and intertwined with the project teams of Kristina Zumer and Michael Lidschreiber to investigate the process of transcription by RNA polymerases with a multifaceted approach that encompasses structural biology, biochemistry and functional genomics. These approaches, which are both orthogonal and synergistic, provide us with unparalleled insights into the molecular mechanism of transcription regulation. 

About the position

Individuals with a strong background in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field are encouraged to apply for a postdoctoral position in our laboratory. The ideal candidate may also have prior experience working in research fields of chromatin biology and transcription regulation. The project will be tailored to the specific interests of the successful candidate. The team is eager to fill the position at the earliest opportunity, and the start date is negotiable.