PhD Student - Single Molecule Spectroscopy


Aim: Determine the entire structures of complex glycoconjugates by imaging them one-at-a-time.

Fields: Single molecule chemistry, Glycoscience, Physical analytical chemistry.

Techniques: Electrospray ion beam deposition (ESIBD), Low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (LT STM), Density functional theory (DFT), Nanoelectrospray, Molecular model building.

We offer

  1. A PhD position at the International Max Planck Research School for Condensed Matter Science (IMPRS-CMS) with work contract including full social security benefits, funded by ERC Starting Grant Project GlycoX, and PhD degree awarded by the University of Stuttgart.
  2. Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and supercomputers in the Max Planck Society to support your scientific goals.
  3. Opportunities to collaborate with the Nanoscale Science Department and external groups to furnish you with unique interdisciplinary scientific challenges.
  4. Training in both experimental and computational techniques to finesse your scientific profile.
  5. Engaging environment to nourish your scientific independence.
  6. Support to attend workshops and conferences to develop your scientific network.
  7. Mentorship in proposal writing, management, and communication skills to equip you with transferable skills.

Your project

Unveil structures of complex glycoproteins and glycolipids to understand how their biochemical properties emerge by: (a) soft landing them on surface by ESIBD technique, (b) imaging them one-at-a-time using LT STM, and (c) solving their structures by computational methods.

We seek someone who is

Curious, enthusiastic, team oriented, fluent and articulate in oral and written English, a holder of MSc in Chemistry (Physical-, Bio-, Organic-), Nanoscience, Physics, or equivalent (applications with BSc with Honors are also considered). Knowledge in physical chemistry and/or biochemistry; and/or experience in electrospray, scanning probe microscopy, ultrahigh vacuum systems, and/or ab initio calculations are advantageous.

Your application

Please email Dr. Kelvin Anggara k.anggara@fkf.mpg.de using the title ‘GlycoX_PHD’ and submit as a single PDF:

  1. one-page motivation letter (explain in specifics why this lab and how this position further your career)
  2. and CV (include publication list, research description, and contacts of two referees).

Earliest possible starting date is 1st May, 2023. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. We seek to increase the number of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

Information source:
Organisation: 
Max Planck Institute For Solid State Research
Email: 
see link below
Application Deadline: 
Friday, April 28, 2023
Further Information: External Link