The DFG-funded international Research Training Group GRK2662 "Charging into the future: understanding the interaction of polyelectrolytes with biosystems" aims to gain a better understanding of the molecular interactions between polyelectrolytes such as DNA or heparin with biologically relevant systems.  A special feature of the Research Training Group is the close, complementary cooperation between scientists from Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), McGill University, Montréal, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada).
The international research training group GRK2662 offers
• Positions for research assistants with the possibility of a doctorate,
• structured academic training in an international research environment, including participation in a variety of research specific and career-enhancing training courses and events,
• integration into an interdisciplinary international research network
• and the opportunity for research stays in the laboratories of the Canadian partner institutions.

Job description:
Project A3, headed by Prof. Thomas Risse, aims at elucidating the structural implications of polyelectrolyte protein interactions on protein structure using spectroscopic techniques with a special focus on electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The focus will be on the interaction of HMGB1 (High-Mobility-Group-Protein B1) with natural as well as synthetic polyanionic systems. The project is part of a collaborative effort with the groups of Jens Dernedde, Charité Berlin, Matthias Ballauff, and Rainer Haag, FU Berlin, as well as partners at McGill University, Montreal. Further project information can be found at www.grk2662.de. 

Requirements:
Applicants should have an completed university degree (M.Sc. or Diploma degree) in chemistry, physics, or related subjects and must fulfill the requirements for admission to the doctoral program of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy at Freie Universität Berlin.

Desirable:
• Hands-on experience with spectroscopic techniques
• Expertise in the characterization of biological or synthetic polymers
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Good communication skills and willingness to work in collaborations and teams

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following documents:
• A one-page letter of motivation why you want to work in Project A3, together with details of previous research experience and future goals
• Your CV (including a list of publications if applicable),
• Evidence of your academic achievements including copies of your Bachelor's and Master's or Diploma degrees,
• At least two letters of support.

The position is limited until the end of the current funding of the Research Training Group (31.03.2026). An extension of the funding is being sought.
Please send applications together with all documents, stating the reference code, by e-mail in PDF format (preferably as one document) to bewerbung@grk2662.de 

For further information, please contact Dr. Svenja Herziger (bewerbung@grk2662.de / +49 30 838-65340).