One postdoctoral and two PhD student positions in Switzerland
and the Netherlands
The laboratories of Prof. Joern Dengjel (Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland), Dr. Mattia Zampieri (Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland) and Prof. Fulvio Reggiori (Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and SystemsUniversity Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands) are looking for excellent and highly motivated candidates to join their groups for the realization of a multidisciplinary and collaborative project, aimed at understanding the contribution of autophagy to cell physiology. The study will be initially performed in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae before we will transfer key principles to cancer cells. The project is supported by the Sinergia program of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
Specific requirements:
PhD position in the Dengjel lab: Solid background in protein biochemistry or cell biology. Experience with mass spectrometry is a plus, but not absolutely necessary.
Postdoctoral position in the Zampieri lab: Candidates should have a PhD with a strong background in physics and/or mathematical modeling. Experience in programming, model fitting and statistical analysis is expected. Good communication skills in oral and written English are essential.
PhD position in the Reggiori lab: Solid background in cell biological and/or biochemical techniques. Previous work with yeast and fluorescence microscopy is a plus, but not absolutely necessary.
If interested in one of these positions, please contact the concerned person by email (Joern Dengjel, joern.dengjel@unifr.ch; Mattia Zampieri, zampieri@imsb.biol.ethz.ch; Fulvio Reggiori, f.m.reggiori@umcg.nl), including in the message a letter of motivation, a CV and the contact information of 2-3 references.
PhD-student position in Kasper Rouschop’s group.
MAASTRO, Maastricht Radiation Oncology, is a co-operation between MAASTRO clinic, the University of Maastricht (UM) and the University Hospital Maastricht (AZM) (see www.maastro.nl). MAASTRO consists of several divisions, including MAASTRO Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art radiotherapy to more than 3500 cancer patients each year from the mid and South Limburg area in the Netherlands. In addition, research and training at MAASTRO is carried out in MAASTRO Physics, MAASTRO Trials, MAASTRO School, and the dept. of Radiotherapy UM/MAASTRO Lab.
The dept. of Radiotherapy is a basic and translational research laboratory embedded within the GROW research institute of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. Research carried out in the past has focused on the tumour microenvironment (hypoxia), autophagy, NOTCH and EGFR signalling, pathways of relevance to radiation oncology. The dept of Radiotherapy has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms ie UPR and autophagy, sensitizes tumors to irradiation. In addition, we have initiated translational and clinical studies based on these results.
The lab is shared with the group “Precision Medicine’ and collectively accommodates 7 permanent scientists, 4 technicians, more than 10 PhD students and Post-Docs and is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology (e.g. flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy) and working with animals (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT & gantry, MRI 7 Tesla and micro-PET). The dept of radiotherapy has set up the necessary infrastructure for controlled exposures to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, including development of novel equipment that allows rapid and controlled changes in oxygenation. Access to expertise, equipment and resources within the much larger GROW research institute and other facilities in the University are also readily available, including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal facility.
The dept of Radiotherapy offers a 4-year position for a PhD-student:
For unravelling signaling mechanisms that synergize with autophagy-inhibitory medication and improve glioblastoma responsiveness to therapy
In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of autophagy research and its targeting potential within cell cultures and solid tumors in vivo. Previously we showed that autophagy is primarily activated within the oxygen deficient (hypoxic) regions of solid tumors, the radioresistant niche. Targeting autophagy resulted in a decrease in tumor hypoxia and sensitized tumors to irradiation. In glioblastoma, adapted intracellular signalling severely enhanced the efficacy of autophagy-inhibitory drugs. The candidate in this position, will unravel the signalling cascades that enhance autophagy-inhibitory drugs efficacy and will aim to translate this into clinical usable strategies.
The research will be performed in a multinational setting and close collaboration between the group of Dr. K. Rouschop (Maastricht University) and Prof. B. Wouters (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC), Toronto, Canada), one of the worldwide leading institutes in cancer research. Research within the group of Prof. Wouters (http://www.wklab.org/) focuses on investigating the tumor microenvironment with a primary interest in understanding the cellular and molecular responses to hypoxia and their influence on the biological behavior of tumors.
Within the first year, the candidate will spend up to 10 months at the PMCC, Toronto to perform initial screens. Hits will be pursued in the following 3 year period in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
A large number of techniques in both labs and collaborations with experts in the field of autophagy will be at your disposal.
We are searching for a highly motivated and independent coworker, ready to work hard and with interests in translational research and molecular or cell biology. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 9) or willingness obtain Art. 9 is required. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a requirement.
Knowledge of basic techniques such as in vitro cell culture, RT-PCR, cloning and transfection is expected.
Further information will be gladly given by Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl or telephone number: +31-(0)43-3884264. Please also visit www.maastrolab.com and www.grow-um.nl.
Your application letter and Curriculum Vitae can be sent to Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
PhD-student position in Kasper Rouschop’s group.
MAASTRO, Maastricht Radiation Oncology, is a co-operation between MAASTRO clinic, the University of Maastricht (UM) and the University Hospital Maastricht (AZM) (see www.maastro.nl). MAASTRO consists of several divisions, including MAASTRO Clinic, which offers state-of-the-art radiotherapy to more than 3500 cancer patients each year from the mid and South Limburg area in the Netherlands. In addition, research and training at MAASTRO is carried out in MAASTRO Physics, MAASTRO Trials, MAASTRO School, and the dept. of Radiotherapy UM/MAASTRO Lab.
The dept. of Radiotherapy is a basic and translational research laboratory embedded within the GROW research institute of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University. Research carried out in the past has focused on the tumour microenvironment (hypoxia), autophagy, NOTCH and EGFR signalling, pathways of relevance to radiation oncology. The dept of Radiotherapy has made several important discoveries in these fields, including demonstration that targeting hypoxia responsive mechanisms ie UPR and autophagy, sensitizes tumors to irradiation. In addition, we have initiated translational and clinical studies based on these results.
The lab is shared with the group “Precision Medicine’ and collectively accommodates 7 permanent scientists, 4 technicians, more than 10 PhD students and Post-Docs and is fully equipped for cell culture, molecular and cellular biology (e.g. flow cytometry, hypoxia, gene expression, proteomics and microscopy) and working with animals (optical imager, an advanced small animal irradiator with cone beam CT & gantry, MRI 7 Tesla and micro-PET). The dept of radiotherapy has set up the necessary infrastructure for controlled exposures to hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation, including development of novel equipment that allows rapid and controlled changes in oxygenation. Access to expertise, equipment and resources within the much larger GROW research institute and other facilities in the University are also readily available, including the genome centre, advanced microscopy, and the animal facility.
The dept of Radiotherapy offers a 4-year position for a PhD-student:
Targeting autophagy associated extracellular vesicles and autophagy in glioblastoma
Previously we showed that autophagy is primarily activated within the oxygen deficient (hypoxic) regions of solid tumors, the radioresistant niche. Targeting autophagy resulted in a decrease in tumor hypoxia and sensitized tumors to irradiation. Current research indicates that these hypoxic cells secrete EVs that display markers of autophagy.
In this position you will perform research at the cutting edge of both autophagy and extracellular vesicle (EV) research and their targeting potential within solid tumors. The work performed will stretch from basal and mechanistic understanding to in vivo application and potential development of clinical intervention. The research will be performed within the group of Dr. K. Rouschop
You will be involved in unravelling the biogenesis of these EVs, their function and their targeting potential. A large number of techniques and collaborations with experts in the field of autophagy and extracellular research will be at your disposal.
We are searching for a highly motivated and independent coworker, ready to work hard and with interests in translational research and molecular or cell biology. Affinity for in vivo work including authorization to work with animals (Art. 9) or willingness obtain Art. 9 is required. We offer an enthusiastic working environment in an ambitious international research team, communication in English is therefore a requirement.
Knowledge of basic techniques such as in vitro cell culture, RT-PCR, cloning and transfection is expected.
Further information will be gladly given by Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl or telephone number: +31-(0)43-3884264. Please also visit www.maastrolab.com and www.grow-um.nl.
Your application letter and Curriculum Vitae can be sent to Kasper.Rouschop@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Postdoctoral researcher to work on Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA) (scholarship)
One postdoctoral position is available in the Laboratory of Helin V. Norberg, research group on Protein Degradation Pathways at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective protein degradation process. By studying this pathway, our previous studies uncovered that CMA can selectively be directed to target oncoproteins (proteins involved in the onset or development of cancers). (Hao et al., Autophagy, 2019; Xia et al., JCB 2015) or by specific targeting to UPS (Eriksson et al., MCB, 2017; Zhang et al., Cell Reports, 2017). Currently, we are investigating the CMA pathway in depths both at cellular and organismal level, in order to explore the intriguing possible role of CMA in various human cancers. The applicant will conduct research within the field of molecular cancer research with a focus on protein degradation pathways.
Entry requirements
Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate.
Type of scholarship
The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.
Requirements
We seek dedicated, highly motivated and hardworking individual with previous experience in cell and molecular biology as well as biochemistry.
The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences or related discipline(s). We seek a candidate who have experience with cancer research and possess a strong background in cancer biology. Candidates with extensive and documented experience in tumor biology, cellular protein degradation pathways are urged to apply. Candidates that possess previous work and publications on autophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy and the Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) are favorable.
The candidate must be willing to work ambitiously and effectively in a collaborative environment with a strong commitment to research. The successful candidate must have strong organizational skills with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. A great ability to express themselves in speech and writing, including scientific writing in advanced level of English are required. The candidate´s personal skills will be highly valued and emphasis will be placed on personal skills, knowledge and abilities, as well as on documented previous work.
Application process
Employment applications should be sent to helin.norberg@ki.se. An employment application must contain the following documents:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work with a complete list of publications
- A short summary of current work (max one page)
- Reference letters and contacts
Postdoctoral position available in Vojo Deretic’s group
A postdoctoral position is available in Vojo Deretic’s (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vojo_Deretic) group at the NIH-funded AIM center (https://www.autophagy.center/). The AIM center is a biomedical research excellence center for autophagy, inflammation and metabolism at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA; see editorial in Autophagy, 2018, 14, 925-929. Dr. Deretic’s group is working on autophagy in fundamental and disease contexts in mammalian and human cells and animal models. The position is to work on intersections between organellar membrane homeostasis, autophagy response to membrane damage, and will involve studies on metabolism and secretory autophagy as well. Details of the project can be glimpsed form the published studies, for example Jia et al., Molecular Cell 2018, 70, 120-135. Please contact Dr. Deretic directly by email (vderetic@salud.unm.edu) to explore possibilities and further details.
Postdoc position – Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht
Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in a molecular understanding of biology. We are especially interested in applicants that are excited to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment and have solid background in cell and molecular biology.
Project
The project aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in cartilage repair. The research is a follow up of our work showing that MSC-EVs are an important component of MSC paracrine signalling and have a major contribution to cartilage regeneration and inhibition of inflammatory responses in osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
You will be working with the variety of techniques including: differential centrifugation and sucrose gradient, size exclusion chromatography, Western blotting, flow cytometry, cell culture, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, cutting edge cloning techniques, lentiviral transductions, making transgenic cell lines, co-culture, siRNA knock down and Crispr-Cas9 technology. The project will also make use of the unique material from osteoarthritic patients.
Organization
You will be working at the Regenerative Medicine Center in Utrecht, which offers an international, very dynamic and stimulating work environment. The RMCU is an inter-faculty initiative with scientists from medicine and veterinary medicine gathered together. This provides a unique collaborative setting for regenerative medicine projects. The RMCU houses the world-class equipment and is located in the scientific campus of the Utrecht University with the access to a large number of facilities. Utrecht is beautiful city located in the center of the Netherlands, in close proximity of Amsterdam and its international airport.
Application deadline: 28 February 2019
Application process: Please send one PDF document containing a cover letter with your motivations, a very concise summary of previous research activities, the curriculum vitae and the contact details for 3 referees to m.j.lorenowicz@umcutrecht.nl
Further information: For more information on the research focus of the group please check our website. For questions about the position, please send an email to m.j.lorenowicz@umcutrecht.nl
15 PhD positions are available in the field of Autophagy around Europe
Positions in Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and United Kingdom
DRIVE (Driving next generation autophagy researchers towards translation) is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), Innovative Training Network (ITN) H2020-MSCA-ITN-2017, funded by the European Commission under Grant Agreement n. 765912.
Eligibility (who can apply): Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs).
Application: eligible candidates should fill in the application form and upload a cover letter stating their motivation and research interests, an updated CV with the dates of relevant diplomas (day, month and year), and the contact information of 2 referee persons.
Applicants should apply to their preferred research team within DRIVE’s network (click here for details), but they can indicate a secondary and tertiary preference in their application.