Doctoral Candidate Position 1 - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)
The immune signaling of extracellular α-synuclein oligomers
Description of project
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Increasing evidence points to mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in PD pathology, with damaged mitochondria contributing to immune activation and neuroinflammation. The overarching goal of this project is to identify the receptors and immune signaling pathways of different extracellular α-synuclein oligomers and inclusions.
Using crosslinking mass spectrometry with non-canonical amino acids as crosslinkers, the candidate will identify the immune receptors that recognize extracellular α-synuclein oligomers and inclusions by microglia and peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages. This will be the first interaction map at the angstrom-resolution. Receptors and pathways will be confirmed using genetic approaches. Moreover, the inflammatory responses and their potential modulation by anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules, including the mitochondria-targeting compounds of ST, will be tested using state of the art immunological approaches; the morphology changes upon inflammatory insult will be characterized using our cutting-edge microscopes.
Required selection criteria
- Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
- Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related disciplines
- Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English
Preferred selection criteria
- Experience in general molecular biology (e.g., PCR, agarose gels, sequencing, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, SDS-PAGE gels, Native Gels, Western Blots)
- Background in: (i) protein biochemistry (e.g., size exclusion-, affinity-, ion exchange- chromatography); (ii) biophysical methods (e.g., ITC, fluorescence-based methods); (iii) programming skills ideally related to object-based programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
- Experience in time management and teamwork
- Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
- Scientific curiosity and passion
- While the background in neurobiology is an advantage, we are absolutely welcoming the applications from students with the background in chemistry, (bio)engineering, (bio)physics, and medicine, who want to pursue the Ph.D. education focusing on molecular neuroscience
Specific Requirements
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Freie University Berlin
Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art training within the BICEPS doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
- Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
- A mobility allowance to support relocation
- A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)
Eligibility criteria
You will obtain special skills and knowledge for your scientific qualification during your activities at DZNE. The DZNE is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to employing disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. We offer: an interesting and challenging research question in a comprehensive scientific environment that works on the future topics of health research; an international environment characterized by a strong focus on science and research; a high potential for the individual development of our employees; targeted personnel development; employment, payment and social benefits are consistent with those at other research institutes in Germany.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP) and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers.
Selection process
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. Applications should include:
- Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
- Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant's motivation to undertake a PhD
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees
- A copy of the master's thesis. If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees
If all, or parts, of your education have been completed abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
Please use the harmonized Application Form before the deadline of 15-February 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be accepted until this deadline and considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applications submitted by post or email will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.
Additional comments
The DZNE is a German flagship research institute and a center of excellence within the Helmholtz Gemeinschaft established in 2009. With more than 100 research teams and 1,000+ researchers, DZNE is entirely devoted to studying neurodegenerative diseases combining basic science, translational research and populational health. The Center includes nine high-performing sites in Germany, whereof the Bonn and Berlin sites will participate in BICEPS.
We offer you in accordance with the national regulation of the Federal Republic of Germany:
A salary of € 3,000 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3,505 gross per month in the third and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 fte). The position is limited to a period of 3 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate's performance after 6 months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining three years. If the performance evaluation is positive, the candidate's contract will be extended for a total of 3 years.