The work at the Vascular Research Centre (www.vrc.uni-frankfurt.de) focuses on the physiology and pathophysiology of the vascular system with a special focus on endothelial cell biology. The announced project particularly focuses on the epigenetic control of the endothelial gene expression with special emphasis to histone methylation. In addition to microRNAs and DNA modifications, histone modifications mediate an important aspect of epigenetic signaling. In the project, the specific function of a so far unreported histone demethylase of the Jumonji family of proteins will be studied in cultured endothelial cells and vascular preparations. The expression of the protein will be altered by overexpression and siRNA and the consequences for gene expression shall be determined.
Techniques included in the project involve standard methodology of cell and molecular biology as well as gene array analyses, ChIP experiments and the analysis of the histone methylation. Finally, the functional consequences on the cellular level shall be determined by angiogenesis model systems.

The Vascular Research Centre offers a well-equipped working environment where talented, ambitious, self-motivated students will find an ideal environment to develop and pursue their personal scientific ideas. The PhD student will become a member of the graduate schools of Frankfurt University.

Candidates should hold a master degree in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology or a related field with experience in molecular biology techniques. Applicants coming from abroad are also encouraged to apply. While knowledge of the German language is not mandatory, excellent written and spoken English skills are required.
Please submit your application containing C.V., photo, short description of research experience and interests, and references by email with reference to the code SJ09/2012 to jobs@vrc.uni-frankfurt.de