PhD Position in Biophysical Chemistry

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the research group of Professor Karin Hauser at the University of Konstanz. The project is dedicated to study molecular interaction mechanisms with infrared spectroscopy. We established an ATR-FTIR spectroscopic approach to study aggregation pathways of polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins by the controlled initiation of the aggregation process facilitating the structural characterization of intermediates in dependence of time. Expanded glutamine repeats are found in many neurodegenerative diseases, but molecular mechanisms leading to disease-related aggregates or preventing aggregation are not well understood. Focus of the project is the further development of the infrared spectroscopic approach and the analysis of molecular interactions between polyQ repeats and chaperones. PolyQ aggregation kinetics and pathways shall be analyzed in the presence of chaperones to get insights into molecular mechanisms of chaperone function. Applications are invited for a PhD position in the research group of Professor Karin Hauser at the University of Konstanz. The project is dedicated to study molecular interaction mechanisms with infrared spectroscopy. We established an ATR-FTIR spectroscopic approach to study aggregation pathways of polyglutamine (polyQ) proteins by the controlled initiation of the aggregation process facilitating the structural characterization of intermediates in dependence of time. Expanded glutamine repeats are found in many neurodegenerative diseases, but molecular mechanisms leading to disease-related aggregates or preventing aggregation are not well understood. Focus of the project is the further development of the infrared spectroscopic approach and the analysis of molecular interactions between polyQ repeats and chaperones. PolyQ aggregation kinetics and pathways shall be analyzed in the presence of chaperones to get insights into molecular mechanisms of chaperone function.

We are looking for a highly motivated student who has successfully completed a master in (bio)chemistry, (bio)physics, life science or biology. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in spectroscopy and biophysical research. Further requirements are the ability to work independently and in a team, as well as good English language proficiency.

The position is integrated in the Collaborative Research Center 969 “Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Proteostasis” (A2) and immediately available.Interested candidates should send their application (including motivation letter, CV, brief summary of master thesis, certificates) by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. publications:
Yushchenko, T., Deuerling, E., Hauser, K. "Insights into the aggregation mechanism of polyQ proteins with different glutamine repeat lengths", Biophys. J., 2018, 114, 1847-1857
Krüger, A., Bürkle, A., Hauser, K.*, Mangerich, A.* "Real-time monitoring of PARP1-dependent PARylation by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy", Nat. Commun 2020, 11, 2174

Further information: www.biophysik.uni-konstanz.de
Distributed: 1.12.2020

PhD Position in Super-resolution RNA Imaging

Topic
Genetically encodable fluorescence markers for imaging of specific RNA molecules in live  cells are still very limited. Within the project ‘Super‐resolution RNA Imaging with Aptamer‐ PAINT’, funded by the Baden‐Württemberg Stiftung (collaboration with the Jäschke lab,  IPMB, U Heidelberg), we develop advanced light‐up RNA aptamers for live‐cell super‐ resolution localization microscopy  applications. 

Candidate
We are looking for an excellent, highly motivated person with a degree in (bio)physics,  physical chemistry or related fields who is interested in working in an interdisciplinary team and who is strongly committed to careful biophysical experimentation (single molecule imaging) and computer‐based quantitative data acquisition and analysis. 

Contact
Prof. Dr. Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Institute of Applied Physics, KIT, 76131 Karlsruhe

References
Wirth, R.; Gao, P., Nienhaus, G. U., Sunbul, M. and A. Jäschke. 
SiRA: A Silicon Rhodamine‐ Binding Aptamer for Live‐Cell Super‐Resolution RNA Imaging. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 141, 7562  (2019)

Sunbul, M., Lackner, J., Martin, A., Englert, D., Hacene, B., Grün, 
F., Nienhaus, K., Nienhaus,  G. U., & A. Jäschke. Super‐resolution RNA imaging using a rhodamine‐binding aptamer with  fast exchange kinetics.  Nature Biotechnol., in press. 

http://www.aph.kit.edu/nienhaus/

Postdoc at lino Biotech AG in Zurich

Position: Postdoc at lino Biotech AG in Zurich

Description: This postdoctoral project represents an excellent opportunity to perform innovative research in industry and academia. It evolved from fundamental research at Roche and ETH Zurich and is now commercialized by the technology spin-off lino Biotech AG. The position is part of a postdoctoral research collaboration between Roche and lino Biotech in order to bring this technology to the next level: a potential application in a clinical setting. The project is supervised by lino Biotech, Roche, as well as Prof. Janos Vörös from the ETH Zurich. The majority of the work will be done at lino Biotech in Zurich while some research also will be performed at Roche in Basel. In this research, you will concentrate on site-directed surface immobilization of proteins; study and characterize the binding of ligands with the immobilized proteins and develop a multiplexed antibody platform for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of neurogenerative diseases in clinical relevant body fluids. You will also have the chance to communicate your results to the scientific community and to work in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. The position is funded for a two years period. The place of employment is Zurich. Background: You are someone who wants to influence your own development. You are looking for an environment where you have the opportunity to pursue your interests across functions and geographies. Where a job title is not considered the final definition of who you are, but the starting point.

For this position, you will need a PhD degree in science (biochemistry, chemistry, biology, systems biology, biomedical engineering, or related areas) and bring several of the following qualifications: Skills: ● Advanced knowledge of experimental surface chemistry (i.e. polymer chemistry, protein modification and immobilization) ● Experience in bioorthogonal coupling chemistries ● Experience with label-free technologies (e.g. SPR, BLI), biological assay development and the corresponding data processing ● Strong knowledge of interaction analysis, analysis of -omics data and multiplex sensor arrays and relevant statistical background to apply to these areas ● An outstanding track record documenting relevant experience in these areas; accustomed to work in an interdisciplinary team; good interpersonal skills/ability to build good working relation; excellent English skills ● Optional: ability to write small scripts and automate data processing and workflows in a suitable programming language ● Optional: Experienced in working under biosafety level 2 We look forward to receiving your application including a letter of motivation, CV, list of publications and contact details of your referees.

 

Contact Person: Dr. Volker Gatterdam, Alliance Manager Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.