Mechanisms of cancerogenic iron accumulation in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (Heidelberg)

The Center for Alcohol Research at the University Hospital Heidelberg and the Salem Medical Center in Heidelberg, Germany invites applications for a full-time

Doctoral Student position for 3 years (TV-L E13 (50%))

to study the mechanism, which lead to cancerogenic iron accumulation in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world. It leads in 10-20% to liver cirrhosis and in approximately 2% to primary liver cancer, the cancer with the second fastest growth rate in the world. The molecular events of cancer development in ALD are still poorly understood. However, chronic alcohol consumption causes enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hepatic accumulation of iron, an important toxin and cancerogen especially in the presence of ROS. The research objective is to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ALD-mediated conditions such as ROS and hypoxia regulate hepcidin, the master switch of systemic iron homeostasis and cause iron accumulation.

This project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (DFG).

The position can be filled from August 2015 onwards and will be funded for 3 years. Successful candidates should have graduated in a life science subject and have a strong background in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, be able to work independently, and to be fluent in English language.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with in vivid interest in cellular signaling (regulating iron homeostasis) and translating in vitro findings to in vivo (mouse) models. Therefore, applicants should have experiences in work with cell culture and animals (mice), large-scale experimentation and data analysis, handling of biological samples, immunostainings and molecular biology techniques. Experiences in statistics (SPSS) would be a plus.

Closing date: July 15, 2015.

Please send your application via E-Mail including a motivation letter and contact information of two references to: Dr. Vanessa Rausch, AG Mueller/Seitz, Center for Alcohol Research, University Hospital Heidelberg and Salem Medical Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 365, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. E-mail: vanessa.rausch@uni-heidelberg.de


Dr. Vanessa Rausch
vanessa.rausch@uni-heidelberg.de
Zentrum fĂĽr Alkoholforschung
Heidelberg

Ansprechpartner: siehe oben