PhD position (Epigenetics & Gene Regulation): Quality control of mislocalized proteins • Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) • Mainz

PhD position (Epigenetics & Gene Regulation): Quality control of mislocalized proteins • Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) • Mainz

Open Positions1
Time Span01 Mar 2019 for 3 years
Application Deadline12 Nov 2018
Financingyes
Type of PositionPhD – Doctoral Programme
Field of ResearchMathematics / Natural Sciences
SubjectsBiology
DescriptionIn the field of “Protein quality control and aging”, the research group of Dr Anton Khmelinskii offers the following PhD project:
Quality control of mislocalized proteins

Scientific Background:
Protein quality control systems maintain a functional proteome through detection and removal of abnormal proteins. While typically only misfolded or damaged molecules are thought of as abnormal, recent work – including our own (Khmelinskii et al. 2014) – revealed that also mislocalized proteins are subject to quality control. Mislocalized proteins are defined as proteins that fail to reach their native compartment or fail to assemble into their native complex, and thus cannot function normally. Protein mislocalization is a constitutive problem caused by inherent inefficiencies of cellular processes and increases with aging. Proteins can also mislocalize due to mutations, as seen in various metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and some types of cancer. Thus, understanding how cells deal with mislocalized proteins is not only important from the point of view of basic research but will also contribute to elucidating causes of diseases at the molecular level.

PhD project proposal:
In this project we will dissect quality control mechanisms of mislocalized proteins through a combination of high-throughput screening, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. We will take advantage of powerful yeast genetics and a proteome-wide platform for conditional protein mislocalization to screen for machinery involved in quality control of different types of mislocalized proteins, to understand how cells recognize mislocalized proteins as abnormal and to investigate the roles of such quality control systems in the aging process.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related fields. The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic team and combine genetic screening approaches with proteomics, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to uncover general principles of protein quality control. Excellent core facilities in the institute will provide the necessary support with mass spectrometry, sequencing and flow cytometry requirements of the project.

We offer
• The possibility to work on a cutting-edge project using state-of-the-art technology in a highly motivated research team
• A stimulating, diverse and international research environment
• Advanced training opportunities
• Competitive remuneration

Starting date: 1 March 2019 or later
Duration of stipend/salary: 3 years, with the possibility of extension
Deadline for registration (exclusively online via web form): 12 November 2018
For further questions and contact information, please check our website:
www.imb.de/PhD 

Please apply exclusively via our online form at: http://imb.de/ipp-reginfos

RequirementsRequired qualifications
• Master or Diploma
• Motivation to solve complex scientific problems
• Excellent communication skills

Further requirement:
• 2 letters of reference
Working LanguageEnglish
Language of DissertationEnglish
Required DocumentsCVReports, certificatesTranscriptsLetter of MotivationOthers : 2 Letters of Reference
More Informationhttps://www.imb.de/students-postdocs/international-phd-programme/apply-to-ipp/projects-offered/anton-khmelinskii/

Contact

Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) • International PhD Programme “Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability” 
PhD Elmar Uherek
Ackermannweg 4
55128 Mainz 

Phone: 0049 6131 3921454
http://www.imb.de/PhD

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