Postdoc Position in Giant E3 Ligases, Structural Biology and Chemical Biology Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Austria

Postdoctoral position at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna in the Clausen lab.

The project focuses on giant E3 ligases and how these enormous ubiquitin machines act as cellular guardians during stress. The research asks how they recognize macro-substrates such as microbial epitopes, damaged organelles, and RNA–protein condensates, and how they ubiquitinate non-canonical substrates including RNA, lipids, and sugars.

The work is highly interdisciplinary and combines structural biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, cryo-EM, XL-MS, proteomics, in vitro reconstitution, protein design, and cellular assays. The lab has prior expertise in giant E3 ligases and ubiquitin signaling, including work on HUWE1, RNF213, BIRC6, UBR4, and ZNFX1.

Applicants should have a completed PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, or chemical biology, plus hands-on cryo-EM experience and a strong publication record. Interest in ubiquitin biology, innate immunity, or proteostasis networks is important.

The position is 3 years with a possibility of extension and is available immediately. It is hosted at the IMP within the Vienna BioCenter, with access to advanced cryo-EM, proteomics, imaging, and computing infrastructure. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

To apply, send a motivation letter, CV, research summary, and two referees’ contact details to Dr. Tim Clausen via the provided email.