Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (Berlin) is looking for
Master Students in Cell Biology.
We are interested in the family of Rho GTPase proteins which control
numerous cellular processes and are best known for their function as
master regulators of the cytoskeleton.
Cells continuously change their shape and their attachment to the
environment in order to move or to adopt a specialized structure.
These fundamental processes are highly dynamic and require precise
coordination. Any deregulation can contribute to cancer metastasis and
various developmental, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. We
combine advanced microscopy with cell biological and genetic
approaches to study the precision control that ensures specificity in
Rho signaling and thus proper cell responses. Our aim is to identify
mechanisms that couple Rho GTPase activity to specific environmental
cues and functional contexts, such as cell-cell adhesion or guided
cell migration. We are particularly interested in the role of the
RhoGAP and RhoGEF regulatory proteins which control the activation
state of the GTPases and contribute spatial and temporal information
to Rho signaling.
The project would specifically focus on the characterization of novel
RhoGAP or RhoGEF proteins for which interesting preliminary data
exists. It would involve a wide range of techniques from biochemistry, cell biology to advanced live cell microscopy (confocal, TIRF, biosensors), thus providing excellent training opportunities.
If you are interested to work in a young team of enthusiastic
scientists please send your CV and a statement outlining your
motivation by email to: