PhD Student bei Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR

Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR

as of February 1, 2024
part-time (25 hours / week); initially limited until July 31, 2027 according to WissZeitVG
Your salary will be based on TV-L
» Your tasks
Working with and manipulating induced pluripotent stem cells (cultures require 7 days/week attention).
Developing single-cell multiomics technologies to map genome instability and transcription.
Cloning, recombinant expression, purification of molecular probes, such as antibodies and enzymes.
Preparing and analyzing genomic DNA/RNA/chromatin/nuclei from cells and tissues.
Collaborating across disciplines (e.g., RU5504, CRC1399).
» Your Profile

Required Skills and Qualifications:
M.Sc. or equivalent degree in biomedicine and molecular genetics, biology or biochemistry, completed with above-average grades.
Experience in bioinformatics, biochemistry, biology and genetics.
A strong conceptual understanding of genomics and related technologies.
Enthusiasm for aging-related research, epigenetics and genome instability.
High motivation, commitment, endurance and a positive attitude.
Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative team.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:
Hands-on experience and a publication record in genome biology, (epi)genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), genomics, epigenetics, and genomic instability.
Experience in computational methods (R, Unix shell scripting) and molecular biology.
» Our Offer

The CMMC offers one of the best aging-related and cancer research environments in Europe, with partner institutes within close reach, such as the Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases, Cologne Center for Genomics, and Max-Planck Institute for Biology of Aging. The Hänsel-Hertsch lab "(Epi)Genome Structure and Stability" at CMMC is ideally situated at the intersection of basic research and cutting-edge translational science. The CMMC environment also provides access to core-facility support for Imaging (Light and Electron Microscopy), Histopathology, Proteomics, Genomics, Cell-sorting, Animal facilities, and Bioinformatics. We have direct access to (single-cell) sequencing equipment.

» Your future with us

Working at the University Hospital Cologne and the Medical Faculty means helping to shape the future - the future of medicine, of patients and, of course, your own future. You benefit from 60 clinics and institutes as well as numerous other departments and facilities and more than 12,000 jobs. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne and the University Hospital Cologne assume important social tasks in research, teaching and patient care. A close network with many university and non-university partners guarantees an internationally successful science and the excellent education of our students.

» Your future in detail

The Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) is a multidisciplinary center at the University of Cologne that serves as a forum, bringing together physician-scientists and basic researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Our primary goal is to conduct competitive basic research with a disease-oriented focus. The CMMC's mission is to advance our understanding of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms, as a prelude to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various common health problems.

The Junior Research Group (JRG X) "(Epi)Genome Structure and Stability" led by Dr. Robert Hänsel-Hertsch invites applications from enthusiastic, motivated individuals.

Epigenome alterations and genomic instability are hallmarks of aging and cancer. However, it remains unclear whether and how age-related epigenetic alterations are linked to genome instability. Our laboratory explores how mammalian epigenomes, particularly their structure and stability, evolve during aging and aging-related diseases such as cancer, and how these alterations are connected to genome instability. The selected PhD student will employ bulk and single-cell (epi)genomics to characterize age-related genome structural and stability alterations and assess their impact on (non)coding RNA synthesis. Additionally, the PhD student will develop single-cell multiomics technologies to understand the role of chromatin regulatory factors and their necessity in promoting age-related diseases, such as cancer, through alternative DNA/RNA structures like G-quadruplex and R-loops.

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance.

People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Contact:
Dr. Robert Hänsel-He