SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD position in Cancer Research (Philipps-University of Marburg) (Marburg)

A PhD student position (E13 TV-H 65%) is available at the Philipps-University of Marburg, Molecular Oncology Institute. The PhD project aims to investigate mechanisms involved in the regulation of p53 DNA-binding cooperativity and will assess its clinical potential. The project is funded by the Deutsche Krebshilfe and will be realized in tight collaboration between the Molecular Oncology Institute (Philipps-University Marburg, head Prof. Thorsten Stiewe) and the Institute of Biochemistry (University of Giessen, head Prof. Lienhard Schmitz). We encourage highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates with a strong background in cancer, molecular and cell biology to apply for the vacant PhD position.
        Research of the Molecular Oncology group is mainly focused on the p53 tumor suppressor family. The group has pioneered the role of DNA-binding cooperativity for transcriptional functions of p53 (Schlereth et al., Mol Cell 2010; Schlereth et al., Cell Cycle 2010; Schlereth et al., PLoS Genet 2013) and demonstrated its relevance for tumor suppression (Timofeev et al., Cell Rep 2013). The successful candidate will work on the analysis of p53 DNA binding cooperativity, p53 modifications and p53 mouse models. Our primary goal is to identify and biochemically validate druggable enzymes that regulate p53 DNA binding cooperativity. We will further explore how modification-dependent control of DNA binding cooperativity impacts on the genomic p53 binding pattern and chromatin status by ChIPseq, characterize the resulting gene expression changes by RNAseq and analyze the impact on p53-based cell fate decisions with a special focus on apoptosis. Importantly, we plan to investigate whet!
 her cooperativity can be increased with inhibitors impairing p53 modification to stimulate chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and overcome therapy resistance in cancer patients. A modification-site mutant p53 knock-in mouse has been generated to address the implications for normal development and tumor suppression in a physiological context.
        We expect from the successful candidate a deep interest in cancer biology, sound knowledge in molecular biology and genetics and good laboratory skills (experience in work with mice and a FELASA B certificate is an advantage). We offer an excellent working environment with the access to first-class core facilities and state-of-the-art research techniques. Our genomics core facility possesses Illumina HiSeq and MiSeq instruments and equipment for single cell sequencing, whereas the brand-new animal facility is equipped with 7T MRT, PET-CT, high resolution bioimager and ultrasound diagnostic instruments for in vivo examination of small animals. Your work will be strongly supported by our team members, who are the experts in next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, genome editing and mouse tumor modelling.  High levels of motivation and self-organisation, critical thinking, high learnability and excellent communication and analytical skills are a must.
        We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Applicants with children are welcome – Philipps-University is certified as a family-friendly university. Sharing a full-time position (§ 8 Abs. 2 S. 1 HGlG) as well as a reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as described in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications.

        Please send your cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and supporting documents (including letters of recommendation or contact data for 2-3 referees) as a single pdf-file to timofeev@staff.uni-marburg.de the latest by 15.06.2016.

Oleg Timofeev
timofeev@staff.uni-marburg.de
Molecular Oncology Institute
Marburg

Ansprechpartner: Dr. Oleg Timofeev