SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m) in biochemistry and neurobiology - Code 2047/2015/8 (MÃunchen)

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a center of excellence within the Helmholtz Association that performs translational research on Neurodegenerative Diseases. The center includes nine high-performing sites in Bonn, Berlin, Dresden, Göttingen, Magdeburg, München, Rostock/Greifswald, Tübingen and Witten.

At the DZNE Munich we offer a position as

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m) in biochemistry and neurobiology - Code 2047/2015/8

Description of research:

The laboratory of Prof. Dr. Stefan Lichtenthaler studies:

-       The molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease,
-       Cell surface proteases, which regulate the communication between cells in the brain, particularly ADAM and BACE proteases.

We have used proteomics and identified physiological substrates of the cell surface proteases in neurons. The substrates are assumed to function in axon guidance, synapse formation and myelination. Now we want to understand how the proteolytic cleavage alters the substrates’ function in vitro and in vivo. This is essential to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the proteases in Alzheimer’s disease. Several of the substrates are proteins that have not yet been studied previously and you will first need to determine the proteins’ function. To achieve these goals you will use a wide range of methods, from mass spectrometry to lentiviruses, primary cell culture and in vivo models as well as methods from protein biochemistry and molecular biology. For example the work may involve the identification, validation and characterization of binding partners of an Alzheimer protein or a BACE1 protease substrate.

We are an international and interdisciplinary team, are part of several larger research consortia (e.g. DFG-funded excellence cluster SyNergy) and are associated with the Technical University Munich.

Qualifications and experience:

You have a university degree, have finished your doctorate in the fields of neuroscience or biochemistry and have published on your thesis research. We expect you to have experience with cell culture. Ideally, you have experience working with mice, primary brain cell cultures, axon guidance or myelination. You have a strong interest to establish new techniques, you are creative, open-minded, highly motivated and you are able to work independently. Essential qualities include good organizational skills, fluency in English, a strong team spirit and time management skills. Appointment is full time and will be initially for one year with the possibility of renewal.

We offer an interesting and challenging position in a research institute focused on relevant topics of neurodegenerative disease research in an academic and international environment.
The infrastructure of the center in Munich offers diverse opportunities for personal development of the employees; human resource development is an important concern in our Institute.

Employment, payment and social benefits are determined by the Public Sector Collective Agreement (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst – TVöD). The job location is Munich, Germany. The DZNE is an equal opportunity employer. The DZNE especially welcomes and encourages disabled individuals to apply.

Applications including motivation letter, CV, publication list and two recommendation letters or references should be sent via e-mail to: Sabine.Walther-Koudossou@dzne.de

Selected References
1. Dislich B et al.  (2015) Mol Cell Proteomics in press.
2. Laurent SA et al. (2015) Nat Communic 6, 7333.
3. Kuhn PH et al. (2012) EMBO J 31, 3157-3168.
4. Lichtenthaler SF (2012) Science 335, 179-180.
5. Kuhn PH et al. (2010) EMBO J 29, 3020-3032.

Frau Walther-Koudossou
Sabine.Walther-Koudossou@dzne.de
Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE)
München

Ansprechpartner: Frau Walther-Koudossou