PhD Position on Apoptosis (Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, Freiburg)

Title: Regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins via activation/inactivation of MAPK signaling pathways

The position of a PhD-student is available at the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Freiburg. The project is funded through Deutsche Krebshilfe e.V. (three years, salary TV-L 65%). Mitochondrial apoptosis is regulated by proteins of the Bcl-2 family, which are localized at the outer mitochondrial membrane. Cell death induction by apoptosis is a very complex process and deregulations in the balance of these Bcl-2 family members may lead to tumor development/autoimmunity but also affect tumor therapy success. The project will aim to understand the role of the regulation of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins by posttranslational mechanisms (main focus: protein stability/ubiquitylation) through oncogenic signaling pathways like Ras/Raf/ERK and others.

The position is embedded in a laboratory group (head: Georg HƤcker) with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of cell death and the functions of cell death in host defence providing an excellent scientific environment with many interactions between groups. Experimental approaches will include work in cellular (tumor) models (e.g. cell death assays, RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation of protein complexes, localization studies, etc.) and cell-free systems such as biochemical characterization of involved components and work with e.g. isolated mitochondria. Technically, a broad spectrum of methods from molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology will be used.

We are looking for a qualified and motivated colleague who preferentially has completed a masters or diploma degree in a related area.

For our past work please refer to PubMed (Hacker G); more information can be found at http://www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/mikrobiologie/live/index.html. We look forward to receiving your application to Dr. Arnim Weber.
eMail: arnim.weber@uniklinik-freiburg.de


Arnim Weber
arnim.weber@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Department of Microbiology and Hygiene
Freiburg, Germany