Postdoc in Structural Biology of Protein Kinase Regulation by RNA Helicases

Reference number: 2026-0153

• Heidelberg
• Full-time, Part-time
• Molecular Embryology

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network. 

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

How cells communicate with their environment via cell-cell interactions and by growth factors is a key question in the molecular life sciences, including tumor biology. Wnt signaling plays an important role in embryonic development and cancer.

In the Division of Molecular Embryology (headed by Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs), we study mechanisms of Wnt pathway regulation. To this end, we identify developmental control genes, investigate their biological role and biochemical mode of action, and examine how the genes are regulated.

To strengthen our team, we are seeking, starting at the earliest date possible, a

Your Tasks

The Niehrs laboratory has identified DEAD-box RNA helicases as novel activators of protein kinases. In the context of Wnt-β-catenin signaling, DDX3 and CK1 cooperate and are both oncogenes. Understanding their regulatory interaction is therefore of considerable interest for the development of novel cancer therapeutics.

To unravel the mode of action whereby DDX3X activates CK1, you will solve and characterize the 3D structure of a DDX3-CK. To that end, you will produce recombinant DDX3X and CK1 proteins, purify and characterize their complexes using biochemical and biophysical methods. You will subject the kinase complexes to structural analysis using cryo-EM SPA or X-ray crystallography.

This project will be carried out in close collaboration between the laboratories of Prof. Dr. Irmgard Sinning at the University of Heidelberg and Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs at the DKFZ. The postdoc will primarily work in the lab of Prof. Sinning and will receive training in a broad range of state-of-the-art techniques in structural biochemistry and biophysics.  

Techniques employed include recombinant protein production, FPLC, Western blotting, automated protein crystallization, single-particle cryo-EM (SPA), advanced X-ray structure determination using synchrotron radiation, AI-assisted protein modeling, hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), microscale thermophoresis (MST), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a degree in molecular life sciences (e.g., biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology) with a background in recombinant protein work and/or structural biology. The applicant should be able to pursue research projects independently as well as in collaborations. Good written and oral command of English is essential.

Please submit a single PDF file including a CV (Germans: copies of Abitur & Masters degree), a cover letter stating your research and career interests, certificates, your expected availability date, and a list of publications, and attach two letters of reference.

Incomplete applications will not be considered or acknowledged.  

References:
Cruciat et al. (2013). RNA helicase DDX3 is a regulatory subunit of casein kinase 1 in Wnt-β-catenin signaling. Science 339, 1436-1441.

Fatti et al. (2023) DEAD-box RNA helicases act as nucleotide exchange factors for Casein Kinase 2. Science Signalling 16, eabp8923

Hirth et al. (2024) DEAD-box RNA helicases are pervasive protein kinase interactors and activators. Genome Res. 34, 952-966.

We Offer

Are you interested?

 Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

 ​Duration: The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: August 19, 2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

 

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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