Job ID: 97424

PhD student Regulation of membrane dynamics during neuronal differentiation

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 30 November 2022

Employment Start Date: 1 February 2023

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Münster

Country: Germany

Institution: University of Münster

Department: Institute for Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology

Description:

The Institute for Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of Münster is looking for a PhD student (TVL-13 65%) to investigate the regulation of membrane dynamics during neuronal differentiation.

The polarized transport and exocytosis of vesicles is essential to establish and maintain the complex architecture of the mammalian neocortex. Defects in these processes disrupt cortical development and lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. We are investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of membrane dynamics during neuronal development in primary cultures. In particular, we are interested in understanding how the transport and exocytosis of vesicles are regulated during neuronal differentiation to facilitate axon growth. The project focuses on the functional analysis of GTPases and their regulators. It includes the development of optogenetic tools and genetically encoded sensors to analyze intracellular transport and membrane dynamics by live cell imaging.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with an interest in understanding fundamental questions of neurobiology at the molecular and cellular level. The project will employ a combination of molecular, cell biological, and genetic techniques in combination with life cell imaging to study differentiation in cultured neurons. Experience in life cell imaging or the culture of neurons is an advantage but not required.

The position is available initially for 3 years starting February 2022 or later.

We offer an international environment with English as the language spoken in the lab (https://www.uni-muenster.de/Biologie.IMZ/pueschel/). Successful candidates are expected to join the graduate program of the Collaborative Research Center “Dynmic Cellular Interfaces” (http://sfb1348.uni-muenster.de/index.php/graduate-school).

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. It strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Applications (including CV, a brief summary of the Master’s project and Transcript of Records) should be sent to

apuschel@uni-muenster.de