The MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR TERRESTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY in Marburg,
Germany is looking for a senior researcher (postdoc level) to lead the
Mass Spectrometry unit in the “Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology of
Microbial Metabolism Group“ of Dr. Tobias Erb.

The main focus of the position is devoted to a multidisciplinary EU-
funded project that aims at realizing synthetic CO2-fixing enzymes,
organelles & organisms (ERC Starting Grant “SYBORG”).

Within our young and dynamic team, the candidate will develop custom
MS platforms on state-of-the-art instruments (e.g., Q-TOF & Orbitrap)
for the real-time analysis of metabolic reactions and pathways to
implement and optimize synthetic CO2-fixation in vitro and in vivo.
For that, we are looking for a highly motivated, creative and
technically skilled candidate who is interested in closely working
together with different experts from microbiology, biochemistry and
synthetic biology. We are especially interested in candidates with a
strong history in LC-MS based metabolomics (hands-on!). In addition,
the ideal applicant should have experience in dynamic labeling and
metabolic flux analysis. Experience in computer programming (e.g.,
Matlab, Python), flux-balance analysis and/or metabolic pathway
modeling are highly advantageous.

The candidate will obtain expert training on state-of-the-art
instruments at leading MS companies and will develop the MS instrument
beyond standard applications through collaborations with world-class
metabolomics laboratories at ETH Zurich, Switzerland.

As MS specialist, the candidate serves an integral function in our lab
and will also be involved in the design and strategic planning of
other projects in the Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology of Microbial
Metabolism Group. This involves collaboration with and supervision of
postdocs and PhD students. More information on our group can be found
under http://www.mpi-marburg.mpg.de/erb/

The Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology and the
neighboring Philipps University of Marburg form one of the largest
clusters of microbiology research in Europe and offer a stimulating
and interdisciplinary research environment. Recently, the Max Planck
Institute and the Phillips University established the SYNMIKRO center
to explore the foundations of synthetic microbiology.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Max Planck Society is committed
to employing more individuals with disabilities. We therefore actively
encourage individuals with disabilities to apply. We also seek to
increase the percentage of female employees in areas where they are
under-represented. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged
to apply.

The initial appointment is three plus two years, and starts around May
2015. Applications should be sent as a single PDF file by e-mail to
Tobias Erb ( toerb@mpi-marburg.mpg.de ). Please include a CV, a
one-page cover letter describing your research motivation, and
academic referees.

Applications will be reviewed on March 2nd, 2015, but are also
considered after this date until the position is filled.



Tobias Erb
toerb@mpi-marburg.mpg.de
MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR TERRESTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY, Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology of Microbial Metabolism Group
Marburg, Germany