Head of Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics

Head of Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics

Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics

Freiburg, Germany

Your Tasks

As Head of the Core Facility for Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics, you will establish, develop, and lead a central scientific service unit that supports research groups across the institute. A key focus of the facility will be the expression, purification, and biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins. In line with the institute’s research profile in epigenetics, the facility will focus especially on chromatin-associated proteins and protein complexes.

You will oversee the development and implementation of state-of-the-art biochemical and biophysical methods and work closely with research groups to support and advance their scientific projects. In this role, you will provide expert advice, develop tailored experimental strategies, and help integrate protein biochemical and biophysical approaches with complementary cutting-edge technologies available at the institute, including genomics and single-molecule imaging.

The facility will include technical staff members, whom you will recruit, supervise and support in their scientific and technical development. You will be responsible for organizing facility workflows, ensuring high-quality service provision, establishing robust protocols and documentation, and maintaining an efficient and collaborative working environment. In addition to leading the Core Facility, the institute encourages the successful candidate to develop and pursue independent research projects, apply for third-party funding, and to build a small research team by recruiting and supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

Your Responsibilities

• Establishing and leading the Core Facility for Protein Biochemistry and Biophysics;
• Developing workflows for the expression, purification, and biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins;
• Providing expert support to research groups in experimental design, method development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation;
• Supervising and mentoring the technical staff associated with the facility and your research team.

Your Profile

• Academic degree including a doctorate/PhD or equivalent experience in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, structural biology, or a related field;
• Strong expertise in protein expression, purification, and biochemical/biophysical characterization;
• Ideally, experience with chromatin-associated proteins, nucleosomes, or related epigenetic systems;
• Interest in method development, protocol optimization, and establishing robust facility workflows;
• Experience in supervising staff, students, or researchers, or strong motivation to take on leadership responsibilities;
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills;
• Service-oriented, proactive mindset and enthusiasm for supporting diverse research projects across the institute.