2 PhD Researchers in “Lipid Sensing, Signalling & Apoptosis” : Osnabrueck University, Germany
- Project Outline : Cells routinely synthesize ceramides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as precursors for sphingolipids to form an impermeable plasma membrane. As ceramides are engaged in apoptotic pathways, cells need to monitor their levels closely to avoid killing themselves during sphingolipid biogenesis. How this works is largely unexplored. We previously identified a candidate Protein sensor for ceramides and found that disruption of sensor function triggers mitochondrial apoptosis by causing a rise in ER ceramides and their mislocalization to mitochondria. One PhD project is aimed at unraveling how the sensor monitors and controls ER ceramide levels to prevent ceramide-induced cell death. Besides functional complementation studies in knock-out/knock-down cell lines, advanced approaches in proteomics will be used to map sensor-Protein interaction networks and reconstruct the ceramide homeostatic machinery. The other PhD project will exploit bifunctional lipid probes to track down ceramide transport machinery at ER-mitochondrial junctions. Moreover, switcheable ceramide transfer proteins will be used to acutely manipulate mitochondrial ceramide pools and investigate how these biomolecules commit cells to death.
- Host Institute : The successful candidates will join an international team of researchers with expertise in lipid and Protein chemistry, membrane biophysics, molecular biology and live cell imaging. The UOS is a young university located in the historical town of Osnabrück, the only German city situated in a national park (the “UNESCO Geo park TERRA.vita”). The Molecular Cell Biology Division, headed by Prof. J. Holthuis, coordinates the EU-funded Innovative Training Network “SPHINGONET” (sphingonet-itn.eu) and is embedded in the strongly interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre “SFB944: Physiology and Dynamics of Cellular Microcompartments”, which comprises 14 research groups from the Universities of Osnabrück and Münster whose common focus is thematically and methodologically linked to both projects. The Division and Research Centre offer an outstanding scientific environment as well as direct access to state-of-the-art facilities in chemical biology, biomolecular mass spectrometry and super-resolution microscopy.
- Requirement : We are looking for two ambitious and interactive individuals with a master degree in molecular Cell Biology, (bio)chemistry or biophysics. A solid background in Assay development and expertise in membrane Biochemistry would be advantageous. Perseverance and the aspiration to work in a strongly interdisciplinary research environment are essential.
- Condition for Employment : The application deadline is 10 January 2015. The positions will be filled as soon as possible. The initial period of employment is 3 years. Extension of the contract to 4 years is possible. Salary is at the E13/65% level according to the TV-L scale. The UOS is an equal-opportunity employer and especially encourages women to apply. Applications from handicapped persons will be favored if all other qualifications are equal.
How to apply : Please send applications including Curriculum Vitae, a letter describing your motivation to pursue this project and contact details of two academic references as a single PDF file before 10 January 2015 to Prof. Joost Holthuis (holthuis@uos.de).
Deadline : 10.01.15
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