Technical Assistant (m/f/d) in Molecular Biology – Genome Stability, DNA Replication and Repair

The new lab of Nagaraja Chappidi (Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Genome Stability in Human Health) investigates how cells ensure accurate genome duplication and faithful transmission of genetic information. Our goal is to understand how DNA replication and DNA damage repair processes self-organize into dynamic mesoscale structures, what emergent biophysical properties arise from this organization, and how these contribute to the accuracy, efficiency, and regulation of genome maintenance. To address these questions, we use an interdisciplinary approach that combines quantitative biochemical and biophysical assays (e.g. TIRF microscopy, optical tweezers) with cell-based functional assays, extending where feasible to disease models. Our team is collaborative, international, and inclusive; English is the working language of the institute.

Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the lab’s experimental work and contribute to lab organisation. Specifically, the chosen individual will:

• Conduct and support experiments in cell biology (mammalian cell culture, imaging) and molecular biology.
• Assist with protein purification and characterization, and support biophysical assays (e.g. TIRF microscopy, optical tweezers).
• Collect, record, and process experimental data.
• Contribute to lab organisation, ordering, safety documentation, and equipment maintenance.

Essential Qualifications

• Research technician degree (MTA/BTA) or comparable qualification.
• Experience in at least one of the following: cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, or biophysical methods.
• Team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, motivated, and able to take responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable Qualities

• Experience with advanced imaging techniques.
• Experience with quantitative biochemical or biophysical assays (e.g. TIRF microscopy, optical tweezers).
• Basic data analysis skills.
• Good level of German.

Our Offer

• We offer a diversified job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide;
• Salary and social benefits according to the applicable German tariff for employees in civil service corresponding with qualification, experience and job responsibilities, up to EG9A (TVöD Bund);
• Attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees' Retirement Fund);
• Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections;
• Support for a positive work-life balance, including a proactive health programs and assistance with family/childcare matters.

The position is available as of 01.01.2026. The initial contract is for 2 years with the possibility of extension.
For enquiries regarding specifics of the position, please contact Nagaraja Chappidi via chappidi@mpi-cbg.de. For initial enquiries regarding contract or compensation, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources, via hr@mpi-cbg.de. 

Your Application
We encourage you to submit your complete application by 10.10.2025 via our online application system stating Code 2025-Technician-GenomeStability-2560. https://careers.mpi-cbg.de/jobs/59427537/Technical-Assistant-m-f-d-in-Molecular-Biology-%E2%80%93-Genome-Stability,-DNA-Replication-and-Repair/  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The following materials should be included:

• Cover letter indicating the motivation to join the Chappidi lab
• CV including publications
• Academic and professional certificates
• Contact details of at least two approachable references 

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Pfotenhauerstr. 108
01307 Dresden, Germany
http://www.mpi-cbg.de

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity. 
• The Max Planck Society specifically aims to increase the proportion of women in the areas in which they are underrepresented. We therefore explicitly invite women to apply.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.
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