PhD Student for NMR Structure of AP-L Complex of hIAPP and Its Effect on Fibrils and Membranes Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, in collaboration with the University of Göttingen and the University of Bordeaux, invites applications for a PhD position focused on the NMR structure of AP-L complex of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) and its effect on fibrils and membranes. This project is part of the EU-funded HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2024-01 LipAgg Doctoral Network, which aims to unravel the structural complexities of amyloid protein-lipid aggregates and their role in pathological aggregation, cellular toxicity, and intercellular spread. The LipAgg consortium includes partners from six European countries, offering a unique interdisciplinary training environment for 15 Doctoral Candidates.

The research will focus on key human amyloid proteins—amylin (IAPP), amyloid beta (Aβ), and α-synuclein (αS)—linked to type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The project builds on recent discoveries highlighting the critical role of free lipids in membrane damage through the formation of stable lipid-amyloidogenic protein complexes, supporting the lipid-chaperone hypothesis.

The selected PhD candidate will prepare IAPP-lipid complexes and characterize them by NMR spectroscopy, aiming for near atomic resolution structure determination. Structural characterization of IAPP fibrils grown in the presence of AP-L will be performed using cryo-EM. The candidate will study fibril formation kinetics, membrane incorporation of AP-L, and investigate membrane damages or perturbations associated with IAPP-lipid complex binding using fluorescence leaking assays and 2H and 31P-NMR.

The position includes a 28-month research period at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger, followed by a 7-month secondment at the University of Bordeaux for functional investigations regarding membrane integrity under Prof. Dr. Lucie Khemtemourian, and a 1-month secondment at Bruker in Ettlingen, Germany, to learn about the latest developments in NMR technology.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, or biophysics, with a solid background or keen interest in structure elucidation by NMR and preparation of biologically relevant samples. Strong motivation, persistence, and a results-oriented mindset are essential, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Excellent English communication skills and strong organisational abilities are required. Candidates must comply with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility and eligibility rules, including not having resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than twelve months in the three years prior to recruitment, and being in the first five years of their research career without a doctoral degree.

The position is fully funded for 36 months, with a gross salary of 4,768.12€ per month plus a 660€ family allowance if eligible, in accordance with MSCA regulations. The salary includes a living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance. The expected start date is 1 September 2026.

To apply, submit your application as a single PDF file by email to [email protected] before 17 May 2026. Required documents include CV, motivation letter, copy of Master’s degree (or proof of expected completion), Master thesis (if available), all academic transcripts, and contact information for at least two references. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Christian Griesinger ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Lucie Khemtemourian ([email protected]).

The Max Planck Institute is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and aiming to increase the number of employees with disabilities.