We are looking for an excellent researcher with great potential to develop our internationally acclaimed research agenda in structural biology of proteostasis, focusing on the role and mechanisms of autophagy, apoptosis and protein quality control in aging and disease. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and teach in the field of molecular biology and biochemistry. The new position will complement research in cell biology and integrative structural biology in aging and human disease. The successful candidate will develop and apply methods in integrative structural biology to study molecular mechanisms of proteostasis and eventually develop strategies for therapeutic intervention. The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to § 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). If the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements, the qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly.

Core duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting cutting-edge basic research in the field of structural biology of proteostasis with a focus on autophagy, apoptosis and protein quality control including translational perspectives
• Fostering intense collaboration and joint research activities through integration into the existing research activities in aging and human (patho)physiology at the Gottfried Schatz Research Center
• Acquiring competitive third-party funding and taking the lead in such research projects; establishing and supervising a research group
• Writing and publishing high-quality scientific papers
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Establishing and maintaining networks through local, national and international research collaborations
• Giving lectures and seminars, attending conferences, hosting visitors and organizing conferences in the field
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in her/his research area (public lectures, media, etc.)

Successful candidates must have the following qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences (or a similar discipline)
• Extensive research expertise in experimental and computational integrative structural biology in autophagy, apoptosis and protein quality control
• Expertise in structural, dynamic, and functional studies of intrinsically disordered proteins
• Previous research experience in studying protein structure and dynamics using NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling
• Proven track record of high-impact publications and acquisition of third-party funding in the field of integrative structural biology
• Postdoctoral research fellow at a different institution than where the PhD was completed
• Previous experience in teaching and/or in (co)supervising doctoral students and/or training of postdoctoral fellows (depending on the applicant’s career stage)
• High level of proficiency in written and spoken English (proficiency level C1) and willingness to learn German

The ideal candidate has the following profile:

• Expertise in structural, dynamic and functional studies of molecular chaperones involved in protein quality control, in particular heat shock proteins
• Previous research experience in applying NMR spectroscopy for protein relaxation-dispersion and pressure-jump measurements
• Open-mindedness, willingness to cooperate and ability to work in a team
• Systematic and analytical mindset, excellent organizational skills
• Outstanding level of motivation

Entry date: 01 October 2022

limited to 6 years

Level of employment: 100%

Classification in employment group A2 according to the collective agreement for university employees.

Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by 21 July 2022.
 

Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2). A higher salary for this position is contingent upon qualifications and may be negotiated with the rector.

Scheduled date for job interviews: 23 September 2022 at the Medical University of Graz