PhD position in soft matter electron microscopy (m/f/d)

### **About us** The Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) conducts cutting-edge research on colloids and interfaces, focusing on very small or thin structures with dimensions ranging from nanometers to micrometers. ### **Offer description** The Department of Sustainable & Bio-inspired Materials, led by Prof. Silvia Vignolini, at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) in Potsdam Science Park, Germany, is offering a **PhD position (m/f/d)** in Dr. Yu Ogawa’s research group on the topic of **“Structural Diversity of Cellulose Microfibrils.”** Candidates should hold a degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. Previous experience in electron microscopy is not required. **PROJECT:** Cellulose, the primary load-bearing component of plant and algal cell walls, exists as crystalline nanofibers, known as cellulose microfibrils (CMFs). The morphology of CMFs varies depending on their biological origin, which influences the properties of CMFs and those of cellulosic tissues and materials. Despite its critical importance, the morphological diversity of CMFs has been largely underexplored. This project will systematically characterize the structure and morphology of CMFs from a variety of biological sources, utilizing low-dose transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with cryogenic focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (cryo FIB/SEM). We then aim to correlate this structural data with the structure of cellulose biosynthetic machinery to uncover the mechanisms behind CMF morphogenesis in both land plants and algae. **The position is immediately available.** Please submit your application in English **by 15.11.2024** via online application management tool or by email to: apply.job.24650171@hokifyjob.comapply.job.24650171@hokifyjob.com with subject “PhD_Microfibrils– [Name, Surname]”, with a PDF version of your application file, including: - a short motivation letter - a detailed CV - University grade transcriptions (BSc, MSc, or equivalent) - Contact details of up to two reference persons. ### **What we offer** - an interesting and varied job in an international working environment - remuneration according to TVöD-Bund - conditions and social benefits of the public sector - flexible working hours - compatibility of family and career (e.g. company Kindergarten) - subsidy for the job ticket - canteen, with an offer of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. For further information about the Institute see [https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/en](https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/en).