PhD student position on muscoskeletal development and homeostasis in Cologne, Germany
A PhD student position is available in the Hammerschmidt laboratory in the Biocenter of the University of Cologne in Germany (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ag-hammerschmidt.zoologie.uni-koeln.de/__;!!C5qS4YX3!ULXJhf7p1gLxQQpCYYVZjQ7JgTan0RDKXd2EuFs9ZDeVoKYvG8D2_0yWZcGaKC9Q$ ). The research project will be carried out within the frame of the DFG-funded Forschungsgruppe “Novel molecular determinants for musculoskeletal extracellular matrix homeostasis – a systemic approach” (FOR2722), a coordinated biomedical research program with participating other laboratories from the University Hospitals of Cologne, Münster and Frankfurt (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://for2722.uni-koeln.de/__;!!C5qS4YX3!ULXJhf7p1gLxQQpCYYVZjQ7JgTan0RDKXd2EuFs9ZDeVoKYvG8D2_0yWZSah-92i$ ).
The project will consist of two main parts: first, the analysis of mouse and zebrafish mutants lacking the large, but little understood extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins Hemicentin 1 and Hemicentin 2, with particular focus on their interaction with the ECM proteins Fibrillin 1 and Fibrillin 2. Human mutations in the latter lead to various congenital disorders, the so called fibrillinopathies including Marfan Syndrome with manifestations in the musculoskeletal and dermal system, while the relevance of Hemicentins in human disease remains to be elucidated. Second, the characterization of a novel zebrafish mutant with scoliosis (curved spine), one of the clinical features of Marfan Syndrome. In the case of this thus far unpublished fish mutant, scoliosis is caused by loss of function mutations in a regulator of fat metabolism, pointing to a novel connection between fat metabolism, bone homeostasis and ECM proteins. This connection needs to be further elucidated, including systematic proteomics and metabolomics approaches and confirmation of obtained data and their biomedical relevance in corresponding conditional mouse mutants.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, team-oriented student with strong interest in disease pathogenesis and preferably with a background in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology. Experience with animal experimentation, microscopy or molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, overexpression, protein purification, site-directed mutagenesis) is advantageous. Candidates should hold a diploma or master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related areas.
The successful candidate will be joining a young, ambitious research team with national and international partners embedded within a highly interactive and well-equipped environment (CMMC: Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne; CECAD: Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases). Excellent research and training conditions and the opportunity to learn a broad range of methods will be offered while working on a topic highly relevant for translational biomedical research
The position will be salaried according to TV-L E13/ 0.65. Funding will be provided for 3 years. The University of Cologne is a provider of equal opportunity in compliance with the German disability laws. Women and in particular individuals with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit a PDF file containing a letter of interest, CV, statement of research interests, scanned copies of certificates and addresses of 2-3 potential referees to Prof. Dr. Matthias Hammerschmidt, email: mhammers@uni-koeln.de. In case of questions, please don’t hesitate to directly contact Matthias Hammerschmidt. We are excited to hear from you and are looking forward to receiving your application!