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 Positions	1
Time Span	01 Mar 2019 for 3 years
Application Deadline	12 Nov 2018
Financing	yes
Type of Position	PhD – Doctoral Programme
Field of Research	Mathematics / Natural Sciences
Subjects	Biology
Description	In 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
Requirements	Required qualifications • Master or Diploma • Motivation to solve complex scientific problems • Excellent communication skills Further requirement: • 2 letters of reference
Working Language	English
Language of Dissertation	English
Required Documents	CVReports, certificatesTranscriptsLetter of MotivationOthers : 2 Letters of Reference
More Information	https://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