Technical Assistant / Laboratory Manager Full-time NEW

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) is a leading international biomedical research center to translate discoveries from basic research into clinical practice. With locations in Berlin-Buch and Berlin-Mitte, the MDC offers an outstanding, international, and highly collaborative research environment, equipped with state-of-the-art technology platforms. Our researchers are dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of health and disease, driving the biomedicine of the future.

The Kudryashev laboratory focuses on unraveling the structure and function of complex membrane proteins and molecular machines using advanced structural biology techniques. We utilize high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and in situ cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to study critical targets like the ryanodine receptors, serotonin receptors, and other ion channels in their native membrane environments. Alongside biological discovery, our team develops highly automated, open-source computational pipelines to push the boundaries of tomographic data processing. We are a dynamic, international, and highly collaborative research group looking for an organized and dedicated technical expert to serve as the operational and experimental backbone of our laboratory.

Your Responsibilities

You will be the central operational anchor of the laboratory, blending high-level laboratory management with advanced molecular and structural biology experiments. An ideal candidate could fulfill the following duties, or the majority of them: 

Laboratory Organization & Management:

• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including budget and resource management via SAP, purchasing, and coordination with vendors.
• Take responsibility for the acquisition, maintenance, and calibration of all group laboratory equipment.
• Serve as the assistant to the PI for the authority for Quality Management and Compliance, help with LaGeSo laboratory checks, Genetic Engineering Facility records, and hazardous substance protocols.
• Optimize laboratory workflows, train new group members, contribute to cutting-edge multidisciplinary science.

Scientific & Technical Duties:

• Perform complex protein expression and purification pipelines, including cloning (plasmid/primer design, Gateway, Bacmid system).
• Drive expression across multiple systems: bacterial (E. coli), mammalian (HEK293, HaCaT, A431), and insect cells (Sf9, baculovirus production).
• Purify challenging targets using ÄKTA SEC and affinity columns, perform sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation, and orchestrate complex reconstitutions into nanodiscs and vesicles.
• Conduct essential structural biology preparations, including negative staining and screening samples on the EM Talos in preparation for high-resolution cryo-EM.
• Support PhD students and postdocs with diverse downstream applications, including Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) for binder screening, mass spectrometry sample preparation, and advanced immuno-imaging (STED/TIRF/Confocal).

Your Profile

• Completed vocational training as a Technical Assistant (BTA / CTA / MTA) or a degree (BSc/MSc) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or similar.
• Hands-on expertise in molecular biology (cloning strategies) and protein biochemistry (expression and purification).
• Familiarity with eukaryotic expression systems (mammalian and insect cells) and ÄKTA chromatography systems.
• Experience with structural biology sample preparation (electron microscopy, negative staining) is advantageous.
• Strong background in laboratory organization, budget management, and biological/chemical safety compliance.
• An independent, proactive, and highly structured work style with the ability to troubleshoot and design new protocols.
• A strong team player with a passion for mentoring junior scientists and fostering a collaborative lab environment.
• Knowledge of English (our working language); German proficiency is beneficial for administrative and compliance tasks.

What We Offer

• International Environment: A vibrant, collaborative, and diverse campus network with scientists from all over the world.
• Remuneration: A competitive salary according to the TVöD/TV-L public service wage scale, including an annual bonus and a company pension scheme (VBL).
• Health & Well-being: Access to the MDC Health Management program, including fitness facilities, health days, and psychological support services.
• Training & Development: Extensive opportunities for professional development, language courses, and specialized technical training.
• Sustainability: Support for green lab initiatives and a subsidized company ticket (Deutschlandticket) for public transportation.
• Idyllic Buch campus in Berlin and the fun time in the Kudryashev group. 

How to APPLY: 

Please send a CV with a cover letter by email (header of the posting) . Please add the contact emails of two previous senior colleagues for reference letter requests as part of your application. 

Starting Date: as soon as possible; 

Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract running until July 31, 2027.

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so please apply soon.

Tagged as: Life Sciences