ZMBH - Open Positions

Scientific Job Openings

SCIENTIST POSITION FOR A BIOINFORMATICIAN

The Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) is searching a

(Postdoctoral) Scientist with Excellent Bioinformatic Skills

The initial period of employment is two years, with renewal option.

Your responsibilities:
You will work interactively with research groups from the DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance on analyzing data from high throughput sequencing experiments (HTS) generated in one of the facilities on campus. In doing so, you will use bioinformatic and mathematical/statistical approaches. You will actively contribute to research projects and help generate new hypotheses. Additionally, you will contribute to publications and presentations and you will train and advise biologists and biochemists involved in the experiments.

Candidate requirements:
You will have proven experience in bioinformatic analysis, ideally in handling HTS datasets and are proficient in at least one of the programming languages C++, Perl, Python, Java, statistical analysis and the Unix/Linux OS. Applicants should be interested in the biological questions behind the experiments. Good communication skills, self-motivation and the ability to support and train researchers with genomics data analysis are essential. German language skills are no prerequisite. However, fluency in written and spoken English is absolutely essential. Candidates are expected to hold a university degree (Master or Diploma) in Biosciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Bioinformatics. The salary will be determined by the guidelines for scientists at State Universities (TV-L, EG 13). Opportunities for part-time employment are available. The successful applicant will take up the position not later than September 1st.

The ZMBH hosts 18 independent research groups and offers an excellent, international research environment and central facilities for mass spectrometry, wide-field and confocal microscopy, FACS, IT support, access to animal facilities, and administrative and technical services. A broad range of further research facilities of the university campus and the DKFZ is accessible. Further details on research of the ZMBH are summarized on our website (http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de). Moreover, we closely collaborate with the research program Cell and Tumor Biology of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in the DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance.

The application package should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a short research summary, and a list of references including contact information.
Applications should be sent by e-mail quoting the reference "Bioinformatician, May 2013" no later than May 31, 2013 to the Director of the ZMBH, Prof. Dr. B. Bukau, P.O. Box 106249, D-69052 Heidelberg, Germany (e-mail: direktor@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de, Phone: +49-6221-546850, Fax: +49-6221-545507).

Please understand that we cannot return application documents that are sent to us by post. Among candidates of equal aptitude and qualifications, a person with disabilities will be given preference.

Postdoc position: “Analysis of gamma-tubulin complexes on the single-molecule level”

Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH)
University of Heidelberg

gamma-Tubulin is a highly conserved member of the tubulin super-family that is involved in the formation of microtubules, the fibers that segregate the chromosomes in mitosis 1,2. gamma-Tubulin assembles together with other proteins into larger complexes 3,4. We were the first who discovered interactors of gamma-tubulin 5,6 and could show that gamma-tubulin complexes are recruited by receptors to the centrosome 4,7-9. The aim of this project is to extend our investigations on the functions of gamma-tubulin complexes (yeast gamma-TuSC and human gamma-TuRC) on the single-molecule level using biochemistry (e.g. cross linking approach combined with Mass spec), electron microscopy and total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy 10,11. In addition, gamma-TuRC mutants will be constructed and analyzed in human cells (ZFN approach). This will enable us to analyze discrete steps of the mechanism of microtubule nucleation, the composition of gamma-TuRC and the function of individual subunits.

For this exciting project, the group of E. Schiebel (http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/schiebel/default.shtml) is looking for a highly motivated postdoc with a strong background in biochemistry, TIRF microscopy or single molecule measurements. The successful candidate will be part of an international, highly motivated team of PhD students and postdocs that works at the forefront of scientific research. The postdoc position (E13) is funded for 3 years.

Please send applications to E. Schiebel (schiebel.elmar@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de).

Publications to this topic from the Schiebel group:

1          Pereira, G. & Schiebel, E. Centrosome-microtubule nucleation. J. Cell Sci. 110, 295-300 (1997).
2          Schiebel, E. γ-tubulin complexes: binding to the centrosome, regulation and microtubule nucleation. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 12, 113-118 (2000).
3          Spang, A., Geissler, S., Grein, K. & Schiebel, E. γ-Tubulin-like Tub4p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is associated with the spindle pole body substructures that organize microtubules and is required for mitotic spindle formation. J. Cell Biol. 134, 429-441 (1996).
4          Pereira, G. & Schiebel, E. Separase regulates INCENP-Aurora B anaphase spindle function through Cdc14. Science 302, 2120-2124 (2003).
5          Geissler, S. et al. The spindle pole body component Spc98p interacts with the γ-tubulin-like Tub4p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the sites of microtubule attachment. EMBO J 15, 3899-3911 (1996).
6          Knop, M., Pereira, G., Geissler, S., Grein, K. & Schiebel, E. The spindle pole body component Spc97p interacts with the γ-tubulin of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and functions in microtubule organization and spindle pole body duplication. EMBO J 16, 1550-1564 (1997).
7          Knop, M. & Schiebel, E. Spc98p and Spc97p of the yeast γ-tubulin complex mediate binding to the spindle pole body via their interaction with Spc110p. EMBO J 16, 6985-6995 (1997).
8          Knop, M. & Schiebel, E. Receptors determine the cellular localization of a γ-tubulin complex and thereby the site of microtubule formation. EMBO J 17, 3952-3967 (1998).
9          Pereira, G., Grueneberg, U., Knop, M. & Schiebel, E. Interaction of the yeast γ-tubulin complex binding protein Spc72p with Kar1p is essential for microtubule function during karyogamy. EMBO J 18, 4180-4196 (1999).
10         Roostalu, J. et al. Directional switching of the kinesin Cin8 through motor coupling. Science 332, 94-99, (2011).
11         Erlemann, S. et al. An extended γ-tubulin ring functions as a stable platform in microtubule nucleation. J. Cell Biol. 197, 59-74, (2012).

Listed

18.4.13

PhD position
“Biogenesis of nuclear envelope complexes”
Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH)
Heidelberg University

For the project “Biogenesis of nuclear envelope complexes” the group of E. Schiebel is looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a strong background in molecular biology or biochemistry.

The group of E. Schiebel at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH) (http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/schiebel/default.shtml), Heidelberg University, has a long-lasting interest in the analysis of processes at the nuclear envelope, such as nuclear pore biogenesis and insertion of the yeast centrosome (for publications see below 1-5). To study these processes in vitro with purified proteins, we have an open PhD position.
We use biochemical methods such as in vitro reconstitution of purified proteins into liposomes and membrane fusion assays, advanced and superresolution microscopy to unravel the activities of protein complexes that insert the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and the yeast centrosome, the spindle pole body (SPB), into the nuclear envelope.
The PhD student will have access to several high-end facilities at Heidelberg University including the Nikon Imaging Center, the Structural Biology Platform, the FACS facility, and the Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics. Successful candidates will be part of an international, highly motivated team of PhD students and postdocs that works at the forefront of scientific research. In addition, the PhD student will be a member of the Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (HBIGS; http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/) and the GRK1188 (http://bzh.db-engine.de/default.asp?lfn=en4036).

The position is funded for 3 years with the possibility of extension. Time period: April 2013 - March 2016. Please send applications to HBIGS (online application) or E. Schiebel (schiebel.elmar@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de).

Selected publications of the Schiebel group:
1          Khmelinskii, A., Keller, P. J., Lorenz, H., Schiebel, E. & Knop, M. Segregation of yeast nuclear pores. Nature 466, (7305):E7301 (2010).
2          Khmelinskii, A., Meurer, M., Knop, M. & Schiebel, E. Artificial tethering to nuclear pores promotes partitioning of extrachromosomal DNA during yeast asymmetric cell division. Curr. Biol. 21, R17-18, doi:S0960-9822(10)01459-4 [pii]10.1016/j.cub.2010.11.034 (2011).
3          Khmelinskii, A. et al. Tandem fluorescent protein timers for in vivo analysis of protein dynamics. Nat. Biotechnol. 30, 708-714, doi:nbt.2281 [pii]10.1038/nbt.2281 (2012).
4          Kupke, T. et al. Targeting of Nbp1 to the inner nuclear membrane is essential for spindle pole body duplication. EMBO J 16, 3337-3352, doi:emboj2011242 [pii]10.1038/emboj.2011.242 (2011).
5          Araki, Y. et al. N-terminal regions of Mps1 kinase determine functional bifurcation. J. Cell Biol. 189, 41-56 (2010).

Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH)

University of Heidelberg

Date of commencement:            now

Description of duties:          

The Edgar Lab at the ZMBH and DKFZ in Heidelberg seeks a Postdoctoral scientist to pursue genetic studies of intestinal stem cell function using the Drosophila model system. Duties will include:
       

·       laboratory research in cell and molecular biology (90%)

·       supervision of MSc students (5%) and

·       teaching of Bachelor students (5%).

This is a full time position.

Desired qualifications:       

·       PhD in Biological Sciences or Biochemistry

·       Extensive laboratory experience in cell biology, genetics, and/or biochemistry.

Payment:           Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the countries (TV-L, EG 13)

Miscellaneous:   The period of contract is temporary, up to 3 years.

                            The position is open to job-sharing.

The University of Heidelberg is committed to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Suitably qualified women are invited to apply.

Handicapped applicants will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

Please send your application in electronical form to:

m.tsapanidou@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de with the keyword: „StemCellPostdoc“ or by post to the address below.

Please understand that received apllication materials will not be returned.

Applications accepted till: 30.06.13

Address:

Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH)

Attn: M. Tsapanidou
Im Neuenheimer Feld 282
69120 Heidelberg

PhD Position „Regulation of Drosophila intestinal stem cell function” (E13, 50-67%).

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Bruce Edgar

Project number: Edgar0110

Start of PhD project: To be arranged.

Project Description:
Many animal tissues undergo homeostatic growth, wherein spent differentiated cells are constantly replaced by the progeny of resident stem cells. We are using the intestinal epithelium of Drosophila for genetic studies of the mechanisms of stem cell-mediated tissue maintenance. In this project, the student will use genetic manipulations combined with a variety of molecular and cell biological assays to understand the signalling systems that control intestinal stem cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

References:
Casali A, Batlle E. (2009) Intestinal stem cells in mammals and Drosophila. Cell Stem Cell. 4, 124-127.

Jiang, H., Patel, P.H., Kohlmaier, A., Grenley, M.O., McEwen, D.G., and Edgar, B.A. (2009). Cytokine/Jak/Stat signaling mediates regeneration and homeostasis in the Drosophila midgut. Cell 137, 1343-1355.

Ohlstein, B., and Spradling, A. (2007). Multipotent Drosophila intestinal stem cells specify daughter cell fates by differential notch signaling. Science 315, 988-992.

Pitsouli C, Apidianakis Y, Perrimon N. (2009). Homeostasis in infected epithelia: stem cells take the lead. Cell Host and Microbe 6,301-307

Methods that will be used:

-  Drosophila genetics
-   Standard protein and nucleic acid molecular biology techniques
-   qPCR
-   Dissection
-   Immunifluorescence microscopy (confocal and widefield)
-   Flow cytometry

Profile of candidate’s qualification:

The qualified applicant will have a Masters degree (MSc) acceptable to HBIGS in the general area of Life Sciences. Background knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and developmental biology is required, as is laboratory experience in one of these fields.

Please send your application via the online application system
  http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/main_application.html

Non-Scientific Job Openings

Additional positions for research assistants and non-scientific personnel are also regularly published on the pages of the University's central job market:

Central job market of the University