At the Institute of Physiological Chemistry of the TU Dresden in the group of Prof. Dr. Bernd Schröder we are looking for a highly motivated

PhD Student in Biochemistry / Cell (f/m)

on a DFG-funded position (TVL-13/65 %).

The position is available from 01.01.2019. Our group works on intramembrane proteolysis which links protein degradation with signal transduction and thus represents an important regulatory mechanism for cellular homeostasis. We are especially interested in the SPP / SPPL family of intramembrane proteases, which are mechanistically related to the ?-secretase complex that is involved in the pathology of Alzheimer disease. One member of this protease family, SPPL2a, we could identify as promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmunity. Recently, human patients with SPPL2a deficiency were identified to lack certain dendritic cells and to be susceptible to mycobacterial infections. Nevertheless, the substrate spectrum of these proteases as well as their regulatory impact are insufficiently characterized. Beyond these cell biological questions addressed by cell-culture based approaches, we use mice as model organism in order to validate the (patho)-physiological relevance of the respective findings. In the planned PhD project, we aim to characterize recently discovered novel substrates of SPPL proteases and their impact on glucose homeostasis and metabolic regulation.

Further information:

• https://tu-dresden.de/med/mf/pch/das-institut/arbeitsgruppen/berndschroeder/research
• Schneppenheim et al. & Schröder (2013). The intramembrane protease SPPL2a promotes B cell development and controls endosomal traffic by cleavage of the invariant chain. J. Exp. Med., 210, 41-58.
• Mentrup, Loock, Fluhrer & Schröder (2017) Signal peptide peptidase and SPP-like proteases – possible therapeutic targets? Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1864, 2169-2182.
• Kong, …., Schröder, …. & Casanova (2018) Disruption of an antimycobacterial circuit between dendritic and helper T cells in human SPPL2a deficiency. Nat Immunol. 19, 973-985.

Requirements:

• Masters degree in biochemistry, biology or related subjects
• Experimental experience in at least one of the following areas: molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, cell biology.
• High degree of scientific enthusiasm and intrinsic motivation
• Willingness to work with laboratory mice

We offer the possibility of:

• Arrangement of flexible working hours for a beneficial work life balance
• using our internal health program including courses and fitness training in our Carus Vital health center
• Support in obtaining child care slots
• Taking part in our job-oriented educational course in our Carus Akademie
• Providing for the future by a pension plan

Severely disabled persons are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted electronically. Please send a single pdf file, that includes your CV, relevant certificates/degrees, a brief summary of your previous scientific experience, a short statement why you chose to apply for this position and, if available, contact information for two referees.

We look forward to receiving your application, until November 2^nd, 2018 online with registration number PCH0918366. For further information please contact: Prof. Dr. Bernd Schröder, phone 0351 458 6450 or by email: bernd.schroeder@tu-dresden.de