Starting immediately or as per agreement

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate the entire spectrum ranging from the atom to the organism. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our community!

The research group of Sebastian Hiller is looking to recruit a highly motivated and curious Postdoctoral Fellow, starting immediately or as per agreement.

The project
In an interdisciplinary project supported by a Sinergia grant of the Swiss National Science Foundation, we investigate the molecular underpinnings of gene regulation in muscle plasticity at the atomic level. At the center of this regulation lies PGC-1α, a transcriptional co-activator and master regulator of metabolic processes. PGC-1α dysfunction has been linked to obesity, diabetes, muscular dystrophies, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms by which PGC-1α—a large, predominantly disordered protein with only a single structured RRM domain—senses cellular metabolic states and translates this information into transcriptional activation remain elusive.

This postdoctoral project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms of PGC-1α function by combining advanced biophysical methods, with a particular emphasis on NMR spectroscopy for structural and dynamic insights into intrinsically disordered proteins, as well as complementary biophysical approaches to characterize protein function and interaction. By applying these techniques, we seek to uncover how PGC-1α integrates signals to regulate transcription, providing fundamental insights into metabolism and disease. The work is a close collaboration with the group of Prof. Christoph Handschin, complementing our structural research with genetic elucidation of structure-function aspects, spanning from molecular biology to animal physiology.

Your profile
Required:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related field
• Strong background in protein science and/or biophysical methods
• Interest in intrinsically disordered proteins, transcriptional regulation, and molecular mechanisms of disease
• High motivation to learn, apply and develop advanced NMR spectroscopy
• Excellent communication skills and ability to thrive in a collaborative environment

Desirable:

• Experience with NMR spectroscopy
• Excellent wet lab skills in protein production and biochemical assays
• Programming/data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB)

We offer

• An exciting and fully funded postdoctoral project at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel for at least 2 years
• Embedding in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group with an open and interactive lab culture
• Access to state-of-the-art NMR spectroscopy and biophysical infrastructure
• An internationally competitive and stimulating research environment supporting your professional and personal development
• A vibrant and livable city with excellent cultural, sporting, and scientific opportunities

Application/contact
Please submit your application including:

• A motivation letter describing your research interests and relevant experience
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic transcripts (PhD and prior degrees)
• Contact details of at least 2 referees (including email addresses and phone numbers)

Submission link: https://biped.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/postdoc-structural-biology

Deadline: Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Contact: Sebastian Hiller (sebastian.hillerunibasch)

Join us in uncovering the molecular secrets of PGC-1α and advancing our understanding of metabolism in health and disease!