PhD Student in the Research group Immunology and Cell Biology bei Forschungszentrum Borstel

We are announcing a part-time position as

PhD Student (m/f/d) in the Research group Immunology and Cell Biology

Topic: Regulation of the human proteasome network under mitochondrial protein import stress

The successful candidate will work at the Research Center Borstel – Leibniz Lung Center (RCB) in a joint collaborative research project with the Universities in Göttingen and Regensburg. The project is part of the newly funded priority program of the German Research Foundation (DFG) on “Integration of mitochondria into the cellular proteostasis network” (SPP 2453). The RCB is an internationally renowned research institute with more than 380 employees and cutting-edge technologies, financed by the Leibniz Alliance. It is located in close proximity to Hamburg in Northern Germany. The RCB offers its PhD students a structured graduate program within the Borstel Biomedical Research School (BBRS) ensuring optimal training and peer-networking in an international setting.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Mitochondria play a vital role in human metabolism, and their well-functioning is required to keep the cellular proteostasis network in balance. Impaired import of nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins results in the accumulation and aggregation of precursors in the cytosol triggering cellular stress that eventually leads to human disorders. To counteract mitochondrial precursor accumulation, the proteasome is activated for efficient degradation of mislocalized precursors. In this project, we will systematically investigate the human proteostasis network activated during acute import stress. Specifically, we will identify the molecular nature of adaptive proteasome changes and how they contribute to the resolution of mitochondrial import stress using genetic, cell biological, biochemical and mass spectrometry based advanced methodologies.

YOU:

• are an M. Sc. (or equivalent) in natural or life sciences with a strong background in molecular and cell biology and/or biochemistry
• have very good command of the English language
• are an independent and creative thinker
• are ambitious, have high motivation and scientific enthusiasm
• uphold ethical values and scientific research conduct
• are motivated to make your contribution to scientific discoveries

WE:

• are a workplace located in a top-class research center close to Hamburg
• do top notch translational research to develop innovative concepts for diagnosis and therapy of chronic lung diseases
• offer you an international, ambitious, and productive lab, personal mentoring, international networking and a great team spirit
• pay you according to TVöD-VKA (65%) incl. all benefits usually offered in the public sector
• provide family-friendly working conditions including childcare, accommodation on campus and flexible working hours

The Research Center Borstel is an equal opportunity employer that actively supports inclusivity and diversity. We are certified by audit berufundfamilie. We encourage female candidates to apply and will treat them favorably in case of equal qualifications. Disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be preferred.

For more information about our certifications, please visit our homepage.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Silke Meiners (smeiners@fz-borstel.de). Please apply with the usual documents (without photo) by 01.07.2024 on our website www.fz-borstel.de.

For us, your age, gender and sexual identity, your world view, your ethnicity or a handicap are not important. We are solely interested in your knowledge and skills and your ability to work in a team. If attractive work content and a solution-oriented approach are more important to you than formalities, you are in the right place!