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PhD Student
Doctoral student (PhD) position in biophysics/biochemistry at AG Braun LMU Full-time
We are looking for a doctoral student (PhD) who wants to join our group to study the synergic effect of phase-separation processes and non-equilibrium physical phenomena at the selective accumulation of the first biopolymers and their constituents in a geochemical environment likely present on our planet at the times when life emerged. In particular, we will be interested in reconstructing a geologically plausible scenario that enables separation of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic nucleotide and oligopeptide components of the prebiotic brine. The selected candidate will be involved in investigations related to the role of phase-separation processes in the emergence of homochirality and the selection of canonical nucleotides from a complex pool containing canonical and non-canonical nucleotides.
The ultimate aim is to construct a series of experiments from the emergence of activated 2‘,3‘-cyclic phosphate nucleotides towards their polymerization and the establishment of RNA replication by templated ligation, all in the same wet-dry alkaline environment.
This PhD project thus addresses a highly interdisciplinary topic that allows the selected student to deepen his/her knowledge in various areas, starting from biochemistry through geochemistry up to biophysics. Our laboratory is fully equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for RNA and peptide analysis and internationally connected with leading Labs in the field.
The position is for three years starting from now.
We offer a basic salary of a ¾ E13 position.
We require:
- a Master’s degree or equivalent in (bio)physics or (bio)chemistry
- good laboratory skills in chemistry and biochemistry
- creative thinking and attention to details
- a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English
We offer:
- innovative research tasks requiring genuine solutions
- excellent professional background
- state-of-the-art instrumentation
- a stimulating environment for professional growth in downtown Munich.