We are seeking a student to develop new computing models and applications for an international research cooperation project:infused-project.eu.

Required essential skills and experience:

We are looking for a student currently enrolled on an MSc course in computer science, bioinformatics or systems biology, who meets the following requirements:

1. An interest in any of the following subjects: machine learning / artificial intelligence, data visualization, network analysis or integrative data mining.
2.      Solid skills and enthusiasm to code software in any of the following languages: Java, C/C++, Python, R or related languages.
3.  Good communication skills in English.

What we offer:

1. The opportunity to complete a MSc. research dissertation in a dynamic and truly inter-disciplinary research environment.
2. To be part of a larger research effort relevant to improving human health.
3. You will expand your knowledge and skills on: machine learning, translational bioinformatics, biological network models, and the integration of in silico with in vivo biological research.

Where and when:

The successful applicant will be affiliated with the NorLux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory at the Luxembourg Institute of Health (www.lih.lu). This full-time position will have a total duration of 6 months. The successful candidate will receive a monthly allowance.

If you wish to apply for this position, submit your CV together with a short letter explaining your interest in this opportunity through:

http://www.crp-sante.lu/Jobs2/Jobs-opportunities/Selection
(Department of Oncology section)

Francisco Azuaje
francisco.azuaje@lih.lu
Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)
Luxembourg

SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Genetic disorders of phosphate transport

We invite applications for a PhD student position in the Institute of Physiology of the University of Zurich.

Several SLC34 sodium/phosphate cotransporters control the levels of phosphate in the blood in mammals. Mutations in these plasma membrane proteins have been identified in patients with disturbed mineral metabolism resulting, among other alterations, in pulmonary or renal calcifications and abnormal bone growth and stability. The PhD project aims at understanding how mutations in the sodium/phosphate cotransporters result in pathological states. The impact of identified mutations in these transporter genes will be analyzed in vitro and using various transgenic mouse models. We will screen cohorts of patients with kidney disease for mutations in the renal SLC34 transporters and correlate mutation load with symptoms. Similarly, patients with mutations in an extrarenal transport will be examined by analyzing the impact on systemic and intestinal phosphate balance.
The project is funded by an EU project on rare diseases and is part of a collaboration with research groups in Canada, Germany, Denmark, and several centers in Switzerland.
The student will be enrolled in the Integrative Molecular Medicine (imMed, http://www.zihp.uzh.ch/teaching/phd-program.html) PhD program in the Life Science Zurich Graduate School, provided she/he passes the required entrance requirements. This is a multidisciplinary program lasting for a minimum of 3 years and offers  graduate courses, annual retreats and symposia. The project is also associated with a multicenter research program on kidney physiology and diseases, NCCR Kidney.CH (www.nccr-kidney.ch), providing additional courses.
Qualification: We are looking for highly motivated students, holding a Master degree in Biology, Biotechnology or equivalent. Acceptance into the PhD program is subject to the full recognition of the master degree by the University of Zurich. Candidates should be fluent in both written and spoken English.



Method:
Several methodological approaches will be combined to analyze the effect of the mutations: cotransporter sorting/subcellular expression (epithelial cells in culture), cotransporter activity (tracer transport in oocytes from Xenopus laevis) and systemic compensatory changes (animal models). Moreover, we collaborate with several groups across Europe to collect, DNA, tissue and fluid samples from patients to further characterize the course and impact of disease. The analysis of samples from these patients will include hormone measurements, exosome characterization, and gene and clinical data analyses.
All required methods are routinely used in the lab, and our Institute has a long tradition in the study of epithelial transport.

Expire Date:1.3. 2015

 Wagnerca@access.uzh.ch

 Institut für Physiologie 8057 Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190