Friday, January 8, 2016

PhD position - Reconstitution of Cell Polarity and Morphogenesis

PhD position - Reconstitution of Cell Polarity and Morphogenesis
Germany, Dortmund
 

Job description

The research group of Systems Biochemistry at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology (http://www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/) invites applications for a PhD position in Biochemistry/Biophysics.
Our research: The central goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms by which cells polarize to establish asymmetry in the distribution of their constituents. Cell polarity is based on a complex interplay between the cell membrane and cytoplasmic molecules, most notably the cytoskeleton. We study (i) how cellular membranes can self-organize to break symmetry and (ii) how membrane polarity can be harnessed by cytoskeletal systems to drive shape changes. To investigate the fundamental principles of self-organization we are using minimal, synthetic systems reconstituted from purified components1,2.
Research techniques applied in this project will include, but are not limited to:
  • performing a wide variety of molecular biological and biochemical techniques (e.g. cloning, protein purification, labeling etc.)
  • using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques (TIRF and confocal microscopy, FRET-based imaging, single molecule methods etc.)
  • carrying out data analysis (image processing, curve fitting, other custom software)
  • developing and planning research projects and writing manuscripts
The position: The position is open starting in January 2016 (payment according to TVöD 75%). The expected duration of a PhD is 3-4 years. The PhD students will:
  • join a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary research group
  • be a part of a larger research department with opportunities for collaboration
  • receive access to the excellent infrastructure available at the MPI for Molecular Physiology
  • be directly mentored and supervised by a young group leader

Desired skills and experience

Your profile: Applicants should be highly motivated, creative and independent individuals and have an excellent academic record. Further required criteria are: a M.Sc. in biological sciences (experience in biochemistry and/or biophysics are preferred) and proficiency in English.

About the employer

Your application: The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. Furthermore the Max Planck Society is committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, CV and 2 reference letters) by e-mail to Dr. Peter Bieling (systemsbiochemistry@mpi-dortmund.mpg.de).
  1. Bieling P. et al. (2007) Reconstitution of a microtubule plus-end tracking system in vitro. Nature
  2. Bieling P. et al. (2010) A minimal midzone protein module controls formation and length of antiparallel microtubule overlaps. Cell

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