Scientist Lab Morrison in Jena bei Leibniz Institute for Age Research

The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI’ s internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly (www.leibniz-fli.de).

The research group “Nerve Regeneration” led by Prof. Dr. Helen Morrison at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute is looking for a Scientist:

Scientist (m/f/x)
Tumor Biology / Preclinical Science

Research focus of the Lab:
The Morrison lab is interested in the processes of peripheral nerve regeneration, aging, and pathology. We focus on age-dependent impairments underlying nervous system maintenance and regeneration, as well as on disease mechanisms for disorders of myelinating cells and nervous system tumors. Particularly, we are focusing on mechanisms of and potential interventions for NF2- and Lztr1-related schwannomatosis.

Our aim is to perform translational work in each of these areas, bridging basic to preclinical science and facilitating the development of new therapeutic avenues. Supporting our efforts, we are well connected to patient representatives and external partners such as the Childrens Tumor Foundation, the Merlin Foundation, the BIH Quest Center for Responsible Research and Responsible PrecliniX unit as well as clinicians and industry partners.

Tasks and Challenges:

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to join our preclinical project team led by Dr. Lars Björn Riecken. Successful applicants will be enthusiastic about translating fundamental research towards novel therapeutic approaches to treat peripheral nerve pathologies, in particular Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). They will work well both within our established team as well as highly independent, proactively driving project development and execution as well as contributing to further expansion of our preclinical expertise.

Sucessful applicants will employ a broad spectrum of techniques ranging from molecular biology and imaging techniques to mammalian cell culture and ex vivo as well as in vivo mouse work, including peripheral nerve surgery and therapeutic injections. Where applicable, the applicant will perform this work within our established project framework following human clinical trial and reporting standards (e.g. blinding, randomization, study preregistration).

The current position prioritizes technical skills and scientific qualification over independent academic career development. Thus, we explicitly also encourage applications from highly qualified M.Sc. without (immediate) plans for a doctorate.

Requirements:

• PhD in Biology or related field, alternatively M.Sc. with relevant experience
• Experience in working with laboratory mice
• Expierence in mammalian cell culture
• Excellent spoken and written English
  
  Will be a substantial plus:
• FELASA B certification or equivalent
• Experience in surgery and injection techniques
• Experience in molecular biology (e.g. WB, PCR, IHC) and cellular assays (e.g. EdU)
• Experience in biosafety level 2 work (viral transductions)
  
  Will be beneficial:
• Experience in Neurofibromatosis, Schwann cell biology, PDX mouse models
• Knowledge on AAV, Lentivirus, CRISPR, Gene Editing and/or Replacement
• Experience in Project Design and Management, Quality Management
• Experience in standards of (pre)clinical and reproducible science

We offer:

• A position in a well-equipped lab and with a motivated team that aims to bridge bench and clinical research.
• Access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research.
• A position integrated in the FLI PostDoc Circle. The Postdoc Circle promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses.
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labour agreemen