SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Apply innovative combination of freeze-fracturing, immunogoldlabeling & electron microscopy to characterize the subcellular distr. & dynamics of novel cytoskeletal and membrane-modulating proteins & of signaling lipids during neuronal plasticity

Subjects: Biology

Topic: PhD Thesis / dissertation: apply innovative combination of freeze-fracturing, immunogoldlabeling & electron microscopy to characterize the Subcellular distr. And dynamics of novel cytoskeletal and membrane-Modulating signaling proteins & lipids During neuronal plasticity of

Contact: PD Michael boiler

Reply to: michael.kessels@med.uni-jena.de

Institution: Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena

Location: 07743 Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4

1  PhD  position  in Electron Microscopy / Neurobiology / Biochemistry in an internationally well-known research lab (Michael M. Kessels lab)
(TV-L E13/2 - Project is funded by a DFG/RTG1715 grant to MMK for 3 years - extension possible)

available to apply innovative combination of freeze-fracturing, immunogoldlabeling and electron microscopy to characterize the subcellular distribution and dynamics of novel cytoskeletal and membrane-modulating effector proteins and of signaling lipids during the development and plastic adaptation of the morphologies and function of nerve cells.

The Institute for Biochemistry I provides a stimulating research environment with excellent technical equipment in a recently completely reconstructed building right in the center of Jena - one of the top-ranking and most lively biotech and university cities of Germany (ranked 2nd in the career atlas of all German cities – right behind and chasing Munich!).

The aim of our internationally well-known research team is to gain a molecular understanding of how the cortical actin cytoskeleton and specialized proteins, which are able to modulate the topology of the plasma membrane, shape cellular compartments and entire cells. Such processes contribute to development, plasticity and function of cells and cellular networks, such as those formed by neurons in the brain.

We are currently studying several molecular players at the membrane/actin interface and are characterizing their role in both cytoskeletal and membrane dynamics. To do so, we have recently established a method that allows for the visualization and quantitation of specifically (the) membrane-associated (pool of) proteins in cultured cells and tissue of wild-type and knock-out mice (see e.g. Schneider et al., 2014 J. Cell Biol.).
In order to expand our analyses towards the role of membrane-associated effector proteins and signaling lipids in plastic adaptations of neurons, such as those occurring during learning and memory processes, we are seeking a productive addition to our team.

Applicants should have a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of modern cell and/or neurobiology and experience in electron microscopy methods.

Candidates need to be distinguished by a high motivation to succeed in science and to work independently. However, it is also crucial to integrate into our team as well as into the Electron Microscopy Center smoothly and to be a kind, efficient and reliable team-player.

Knowledge of the german language is not required because of the internationality of our group and of life in the young and vibrant university town of Jena. Fluent English, however, is a prerequisite.

Starting date: January - March 2015 (flexible)
For further information about us see PubMed (Kessels M), the RTG1715 and: www.biochemie.uniklinikum-jena.de/biochemie/en/Biochemistry+I.html

Please send your application (CV incl. 2-3 ref. addresses, certificates, list of publications and/or honors) to

PD Dr. Michael M. Kessels / Prof. Dr. Britta Qualmann
Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Nonnenplan 2-4, D-07743 Jena, Germany
Via E-Mail (PDFs preferred): michael.kessels@med.uni-jena.de

The FSU Jena is an equal opportunity employer promoting the advance of women in science.

Jena is ranked second in the German career atlas (chasing Munich)!
(http://www.karriere.de/beruf/muenchen-jena-berlin-die-top-regionen-in-deutschland-7952/)

"That Jena scores so well is the result of a successful combination of research, education and economics."
"University: 25% of all inhabitants are students. Jena is a very young and lively city. The job market is hot."
"Jena is well-known as internationally leading place for optics. Companies, such as Carl Zeiss, Jenoptik and Schott set global standards."


Method:
Applicants should have a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of modern cell and/or neurobiology and experience in electron microscopy methods.

Start date: January 1, 2015

Estimated Duration: 3-4 years

Payment: TV-L E13 / 2 - funded by a DFG / RTG1715 grant (3y -extension OK(