ZMBH - Open Positions

Scientific Job Openings

Open PhD positions

Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH)

University of Heidelberg

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Project 1

Quantitative analysis of MAP-kinase signaling networks using functional high-content microscopy.
Quantitative descriptions of cellular signaling processes require knowledge about the activity, distribution and dynamics of all involved components. We study the yeast MAP kinase signaling pathways as a paradigmatic model for
signal transduction and we use advanced microscopic methods such as fluorescence correlations spectroscopy and higcontent imaging in order to obtain quantitative information about protein distribution and interactions in living cells as a function of ongoing signaling processes. The project will use genetic methods for manipulation of yeast strains and combine these with fuctional investigations and microscopic methods to study the protein-protein interaction network of the components that constitute the four main MAP kinase pathways in yeast. The methods involve state-of-the-art microscopy, microfluidics and cell biological experimentation and are conducted in the framework of an interdisciplinary team of scientists with different backgrounds, from physics, bioinformatics to yeast genetics.

Project 2

Meiotic recombination and chromosome segregation

Meiosis and recombination are the key processes underlying biological diversity in eukaryotic life forms, and they have a major impact on the evolution of genomes. In this project we study the role and molecular processes of genome recombination and evolution, by using a paradigmatic model system, the novel yeast species Saccharomyces ludwigii. The questions we address are: how does meiosis I proceed in the absence of chiasmata, and what are the molecular mechanisms that ensure faithful segregation of the homologs in meiosis I. How does the absence of crossing over impact genome and proteome evolution? To study these questions we have established this novel model organism, sequenced its genome. The project will use state-of-the-art genetics and molecular biology, as well as microscopy to address the questions in collaborations with bioinformaticans working on the genomics aspects of this project.

Project 3

Cellular protein homeostasis: gene dosage compensation

Cellular protein homeostasis ensures for each protein optimal levels at the location of its function within the organism.
Protein homeostasis is governed by a series of feedback controlled regulatory circuits that encompass each level of the entire cellular machinery. The scope of this project is to explore the mechanisms and principles that underlie translational and post-translational control mechanisms that regulate protein abundance. A particular focus of the project will be to understand how cells compensate for erroneous under- or overexpression of proteins.
Using proteome wide approaches in combination with high-content screening microscopy, the project will explore which proteins are subject to homeostatic control. Subsequent analysis using systemic genetic approaches will then explore the regulatory mechanisms behind and will focus on understanding the mechanisms and principles.

For more details and for application please visit the HBIGS PhD programme web page

http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de

If you need further information please send me an email
(m.knop@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de)

The position is available from Oct. 2011-Sept. 2014

PhD position:

 “In vivo and in vitro analysis of molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation”

Centre for Molecular Biology (ZMBH)

University of Heidelberg

The function and regulation of the mitotic spindle, which is the molecular machine that segregates the chromosomes, is one focus of our work. We use high-resolution microscopy, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), in vitro reconstitution assays and yeast genetics to unravel essential principals of chromosome segregation. Our group is optimally embedded into the life science campus of Heidelberg: we have close collaborations with groups from the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ; Dr. G. Pereira), the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH; Drs. S. Erhardt, O. Gruss and F. Melchior) and the Center of Organismal Studies (COS, Dr. J. Wittbrodt). This work is important because malfunctions in mitosis contribute to the development of cancer and chemicals that inhibit structural and regulatory components of mitosis are used as anti-cancer drugs.

We have an open PhD position:
“In vivo and in vitro analysis of molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation”.

The mitotic spindle is a dynamic machine that segregates the replicated chromosomes between the two daughter cells during cell division. In anaphase A shrinking kinetochore microtubules move the chromosomes towards the spindle poles. Concurrently, the spindle midzone is formed in the centre of the spindle where the conserved microtubule-bundling protein Ase1, kinesin motor proteins (Cin8 and Kip1), chromosomal passenger proteins (separase-Slk19), +TIPs (Bim1/EB1, Stu1/CLASP, Bik1/CLIP-170, Stu2/XMAP215) and signaling molecules (Aurora B kinase) localize ^1-6. The spindle midzone stabilizes the anaphase spindle in all eukaryotic cells by crosslinking microtubules. It also drives spindle elongation in anaphase B and regulates cleavage furrow formation during cytokinesis in animal cells. The aim of this project is to study biochemical properties of spindle midzone proteins. Findings will be verified in the cell system using cell and molecular biology methods.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology or molecular biology. 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 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/).

The position is available from Oct. 2011-Sept. 2014.

Please apply to Prof. Elmar Schiebel, ZMBH, University of Heidelberg:

schiebel.elmar@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de

Publications to this topic from the Schiebel group:

1 Pereira, G. & Schiebel, E. Separase regulates INCENP-Aurora B anaphase spindle function through Cdc14. Science 302, 2120-2124 (2003).

2 Khmelinskii, A. & Schiebel, E. Assembling the spindle midzone in the right place at the right time. Cell Cycle 7, 283-286 (2008).

3 Khmelinskii, A., Lawrence, C., Roostalu, J. & Schiebel, E. Cdc14-regulated midzone assembly controls anaphase B. J. Cell Biol. 177, 981-993 (2007).

4 Khmelinskii, A., Roostalu, J., Roque, H., Antony, C. & Schiebel, E. Phosphorylation-dependent protein interactions at the spindle midzone mediate cell cycle regulation of spindle elongation. Dev. Cell 17, 244-256 (2009).

5 Roostalu, J., Schiebel, E. & Khmelinskii, A. Cell cycle control of spindle elongation. Cell Cycle 9 (2010).

6 Roostalu, J. et al. Directional switching of the kinesin Cin8 through motor coupling. Science 332, 94-99 (2011).

no fixed deadline

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

Ab April 2012

Hiwi-Stelle

für Laborarbeiten zu vergeben.

Flexible Arbeitszeiten, ca. 8-10 Std pro Woche

Tätigkeiten:

- Ansetzen von Puffern und Medien

- Herstellen von Agarplatten

Bewerbungen bitte an:

Prof. Dr. Elmar Schiebel

Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie (ZMBH)

Im Neuenheimer Feld 282, 69120 Heidelberg

schiebel.elmar@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de

www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/Schiebel

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