Vacancies

2 PhD Positions in Neurobiology and Alzheimer Research

Two Ph.D. positions in Neurobiology are available (starting date as soon as possible) in the laboratory of Prof. Ulrike Müller (IPMB, Department of Functional Genomics) at the University of Heidelberg.

We are interested in the physiological and pathological functions of the amyloid precursor protein APP gene family (Richter et al., EMBO J 2018; Müller et al., Nature Rev Neuroscience 2017). APP is not only central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer´s disease, but is also involved in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. One of the PhD students will study the synaptic roles of the APP gene family and their processing products in particular in relation to a7-nAChRs. The other PhD project aims to develop non-invasive routes to deliver neuroprotective APP fragments to the brain. Techniques employed include state of the art molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and work with genetically modified mouse mutants and viral vectors.

Requirements: The ideal candidate is highly motivated, open minded and holds a MSc in a relevant discipline of life science (e.g. Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, etc). We expect a solid background in neurobiology, molecular biology and cell biology. Experience with tissue culture and genetically modified mouse models including intracranial injections would be a plus. A sound knowledge of statistical methods and image analysis is further required. We expect the successful candidate to participate in animal experimentation. The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. The PhD students will participate in the structured PhD program of the ICN (Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Heidelberg) which offers interdisciplinary training for participating PhD students.

Please send your application (including full CV, letter of motivation, copies of exam results, contact details of two scientist for references) until June 22^nd :

Prof. Ulrike Müller: u.mueller@urz.uni-heidelberg.de

For Further information see:

http://www.uni-heidelberg.de/institute/fak14/ipmb/

http://www.izn.uni-heidelberg.de

References:

Richter MC, Ludewig S, Winschel A, Abel T, Bold C, Salzburger LR, Klein S, Han K, Weyer SW, Fritz AK, Laube B, Wolfer DP, Buchholz CJ, Korte M, Müller UC (2018) Distinct in vivo roles of secreted APP ectodomain variants APPsalpha and APPsbeta in regulation of spine density, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. EMBO J 37 doi: 10.15252/embj.201798335.

Müller UC, Deller T, Korte M (2017) Not just amyloid: physiological functions of the amyloid precursor protein family. Nat Rev Neurosci 18: 281-298