Linking mitochondrial dynamics with neurotoxicity in yeast cell death models

Type of job: full-time

The Institute of Cell Biology at the University of Bayreuth (Head: Prof. Dr. Benedikt Westermann, www.zellbiologie.uni-bayreuth.de) aims at elucidating molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics in yeast, including mitochondrial fusion and fission, mitochondrial motility and degradation.

The cellular pathways underlying mitochondrial dynamics are evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans, and several lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dynamics critically influence cytotoxicity and cell death in diseased brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Using yeast as a model for cell death research, we specifically aim at dissecting the role of mitochondrial dynamics in modulating cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and cell death upon expression of human neurotoxic proteins, which are causative for neurodegenerative disorders. For this DFG-funded project (Linking mitochondrial dynamics with neurotoxicity in yeast cell death models, PI: Dr. Ralf Braun), we are seeking for a highly motivated candidate with a Masters or Diploma Degree in Molecular Life Sciences, and with expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or microbiology.

The candidate will apply various methods including the measurement of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell death, and mitochondrial functionality in yeast, as well as standard techniques for yeast genetics, cell biology, and protein biochemistry.

We can offer an attractive education in a doctoral program in Molecular Biosciences, which is part of the BayNAT graduate school at the University of Bayreuth (www.baynat.uni-bayreuth.de) and includes a Fast Track doctoral program.

Starting date: June 1st, 2012 or later

References:
Braun R.J. and Westermann B., Biochem Soc Trans 2011, 39(5), 1520-1526.
Braun R.J. et al., J Biol Chem 2011, 286(22), 19958-19972.
Braun R.J. et al., Trends Biochem Sci 2010, 35(3), 135-144.

Applications from handicapped persons will be favored when all other qualifications are equal. The University of Bayreuth is an equal opportunity employer and we therefore especially encourage women to apply.

Applications should include a Letter of Motivation, a CV, a summary of the Master/Diploma thesis, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent by April 30th, 2012 exclusively per e-mail as single pdf-file (not exceeding 5 MB) to Dr. Ralf Braun (ralf.braun@uni-bayreuth.de, Phone +49-921-55-4311, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany).

Don't forget to mention Nature jobs when applying.

Contact:
Dr. Ralf Braun

E-mail:
ralf.braun@uni-bayreuth.de

WWW:
http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/255988-Doctoral-position-f-m

Telephone:
+49-921-55-4311

Updated: 4.4.2012