The Notch signalling pathway governs metazoan development, as Notch receptors and their cognate ligands submit decisions of cell fates between neighbouring cells thereby regulating the development of organisms. Notch is among the most important pathways driving developmental processes. In the adult brain it is of utmost significance for biological processes such as the maintenance of neural stem cells. Most importantly, the malregulation of Notch contributes to the formation of malignant brain tumours such as glioblastoma multiforme.

The members of the research group Molecular Signal Transduction analyze the functions of Notch pathway components in brain tumour formation, neurogenesis and blood vessel formation. We focus on molecular events that occur at the Notch ligand-receptor interface and the cellular signalling pathways they trigger. Our successful work has been published in renowned journals such as Nature, Nature Cell Biology, Nature Reviews in Molecular Cell Biology, PNAS or Blood. We apply a wide panel of molecular biological / protein biochemical techniques, including animal models, and as such are able to offer you broad technical training.

To join our energetic and experienced team we are looking for highly motivated young scientists to choose a project related to the analyses described above. You will have studied a topic in the field of life sciences (e.g. biochemistry, biology, biotechnology etc.) and are eager to work hard to establish a successful career in science. You are curious about molecular signal transduction in health and disease and are keen to contribute to the cure of patients. We offer direct and constant supervision by the PI (Prof. Schmidt) and senior scientists in the lab, as well as the prospect of working in a highly dynamic research environment performing translational neuroscientific research.

Curious? …then submit your application as a single pdf (letter of motivation, CV, contact data of 2 referees, certificates including abitur or similar) via email to

Prof. Dr. Mirko HH Schmidt
Research group “Molecular Signal Transduction”
Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology
University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Mirko.Schmidt@unimedizin-mainz.de

Helpful links
www.molsig.com
www.unimedizin-mainz.de/iman
www.ftn.uni-mainz.de
www.rmn2.de

Start Date: 26 November 2013

Estimated duration: 3 years

Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Medicine Pharmacy Veterinary Medicine

Topic: PhD thesis / dissertation: Signaling mechanisms governing stem cells

Contact: Prof. Mirko HH Schmidt

Reply to: mirko.schmidt @ unimedizin-mainz.de

Institution: Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology

Location: 55131 Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1