2024 Scholarship On Molecular Dynamics, Heidelberg University [Study In Germany]

We are excited to offer two postdoctoral positions in Molecular Dynamics simulations of biological membrane systems. These roles are part of a newly funded consortium at Heidelberg University, SFB1638, focusing on Cellular Membrane Remodeling — How Changing Form Creates Function. These positions provide a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with experts in membrane biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology.

SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:

Scholarship Title	2024 Scholarship on Molecular Dynamics, Heidelberg University
Host Institution	Heidelberg University
Consortium	SFB1638: Cellular Membrane Remodeling — How Changing Form Creates Function
Positions Available	Two postdoctoral positions
Research Focus	Molecular Dynamics simulations of biological membrane systems
Eligibility Criteria	Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics, Computational Biochemistry, or related fields
	Extensive experience with molecular dynamics simulations applied to biological systems
	Demonstrated publication record and presentations at international conferences
Preferred Qualifications	Experience with protein-membrane interactions
	Experience with multi-scale simulations (coarse-grained and atomistic resolution)
	Experience with free energy calculations
	Proficiency in using GROMACS software and building pipelines with Python
Job Description	Develop a comprehensive computational framework for biomacromolecule interactions with membrane surfaces
	Develop novel computational tools for membrane-protein force distribution analysis
Funding Duration	Initial period of two years (E13 100%), with the possibility of extension (2+2)
Application Requirements	Cover letter, CV, and contact details of two references in a single PDF file
Application Submission Email	fabio.lolicato@bzh.uni-heidelberg.de
Email Subject Line	name_surname_Z01_application
Application Deadline	10/09/2024

Fact About Heidelberg University

1. Founded Amidst the Great Schism: Heidelberg University was established in 1386 during the tumultuous period of the Great Schism, when two rival popes were elected, leading to a split in the Catholic Church. This political upheaval created an opportunity for Heidelberg to gain its own university.
2. Oldest University in Germany: Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany. Its foundation was marked by a special Pontifical High Mass in the Heiliggeistkirche on October 18, 1386.
3. Rapid Early Growth: By March 1390, just four years after its founding, the university had already enrolled 185 students, indicating its rapid growth and early popularity.
4. Influence of Marsilius of Inghen: The university’s first rector, Marsilius of Inghen, was a leading scholar who significantly shaped its early academic direction, particularly in the fields of nominalism and realism.
5. Council of Constance: Between 1414 and 1418, professors from Heidelberg participated in the Council of Constance, acting as advisors to Louis III. This involvement bolstered the university’s reputation across Europe.
6. Embrace of Humanism: In the late 15th century, under the influence of chancellor and bishop Johann von Dalberg, Heidelberg University became a center for humanism, attracting prominent scholars like Rudolph Agricola, Conrad Celtes, and Johann Reuchlin.
7. Martin Luther’s Impact: Martin Luther’s disputation at Heidelberg in 1518 had a lasting impact, contributing to the spread of Reformation ideas within the university and beyond.
8. Home to the Heidelberg Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism, a foundational document of Calvinist theology, was created at the university in 1563 with the collaboration of its divinity school.
9. Cultural and Academic Center: By the late 16th century, Heidelberg had become a cultural and academic hub, drawing scholars from across Europe and fostering late humanism alongside Calvinism.
10. Thirty Years’ War and Decline: The university suffered significant setbacks during the Thirty Years’ War, including the theft of the renowned Bibliotheca Palatina in 1622 and the near-total destruction of Heidelberg by King Louis XIV’s troops in 1693.
11. Jesuit Influence: After the Counter-Reformation, the university lost its Protestant character and came under Jesuit influence, leading to the establishment of preparatory seminaries and the construction of the Old University.
12. Reestablishment in the 19th Century: In 1803, the university was reestablished as a state-owned institution by Karl Friedrich, Grand Duke of Baden. This period marked a revival of German Romanticism, with notable figures like Clemens Brentano and Achim von Arnim associated with the university.
13. Impact of the French Revolution: The university faced significant challenges during the French Revolution, losing property and facing potential dissolution. However, it emerged resilient and continued to thrive.

Eligibility For 2024 Scholarship On Molecular Dynamics, Heidelberg University

• Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics, Computational Biochemistry, or related fields.
• Extensive experience with molecular dynamics simulations applied to biological systems.
• Demonstrated publication record and presentations at international conferences.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with:
• Protein-membrane interactions.
• Multi-scale simulations (both coarse-grained and atomistic resolution).
• Free energy calculations.
• Proficiency in using GROMACS software and building pipelines with Python is highly advantageous.

Description For 2024 Scholarship On Molecular Dynamics, Heidelberg University

The two postdoctoral researchers will collaborate to achieve the following aims:

1. Computational Lipidomics and Membrane Sensing Assays:
   Develop a comprehensive computational framework to understand the critical factors governing the interactions of biomacromolecules with membrane surfaces and their lateral partitioning within the membrane environment.
2. Developing Membrane-Protein Force Distribution Analysis:
   Utilize and develop novel computational tools to elucidate how proteins and membranes mechanically respond to membrane remodeling events and how mechanical stress regulates such biological processes.

These positions are funded for an initial period of two years (E13 100%), with the possibility of extension (2+2).

How to Apply For 2024 Scholarship On Molecular Dynamics, Heidelberg University

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact details of two references in a single PDF file to fabio.lolicato@bzh.uni-heidelberg.de. Please include the subject line name_surname_Z01_application. Last Date to Apply is 10/09/2024