PostDoc in cell biology of cardiovascular disease in University of Heidelberg, Germany

A post-doctoral research position is available immediately for an exciting, interdisciplinary research project at Heidelberg University Medical Faculty and the European Molecular Biological Laboratories (EMBL).
The successful candidate will conduct a challenging research project that aims at the molecular characterization of genes pre-disposing for elevated blood cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Specifically, the project seeks to investigate the cell biological and pathogenic function of selected candidate genes that have been identified in recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as associated with blood lipid traits. For this, the candidate will apply technologies developed in our laboratories that now make it possible to accomplish detailed cell-based loss-of-function studies of many genes in parallel using state-of-the-art microscopy.

The project is part of the prestigious transatlantic research alliance Molecular mechanisms of novel genes associated with plasma lipids and cardiovascular disease funded by the Fondation Leducq (http://www.fondationleducq.org/index.php). The position will be hosted within the stimulating international environment of the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), a successful joint venture between the Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg and EMBL with the mission to strengthen the link between molecular research and medicine (http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/MMPU).

We seek highly motivated candidates, ideally with qualifications in the areas of cell biology, functional genomics, bioinformatics and molecular medicine. The position is funded for an initial 2 years, but may be extendable for up to 5 years.

Contact:
Heiko Runz (heiko.runz@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
Institute of Human Genetics
Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU)
INF 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/Cholesterol-Regulation.114487.0.html
http://www.embl.de/research/partnerships/mmpu/research_groups/cholesterol_regulation/index.html
References:
Bartz, F. et al. Identification of cholesterol regulating genes by targeted RNAi-screening. Cell Metabolism (2009) 10:63-75.
Neumann, B. et al. Phenotypic profiling of the human genome by time-lapse microscopy reveals cell division genes. Nature (2010) 464:721-727.

PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Denmark

Primary supervisor: Dr Scott L. Cockroft,
Second supervisor: Prof. David A. Leigh FRS

This is a tax-free stipend covering tuition fees for a successful UK/EU/Swiss applicant and living expenses at the standard EPSRC rate (commencing at ~£13,590 per year from the 1st September 2011 for a period of 3 years). Scholarships are also available to outstanding applicants from outside the UK/EU/Switzerland as detailed below.

Project:

Non-covalent interactions are fundamental aspects of almost all chemical and biological processes. Solvent effects coupled with the precise positioning of interacting functional groups may be essential for the astonishing ligand binding affinities observed in biology. However, previous experimental studies concerning the influence of solvent shape and geometric positioning of interacting functional groups have been particularly limited. The aim here is to design and synthesise new supramolecular complexes quantifying the interplay of geometry and solvation effects on non-covalent interactions. Particular attention will be paid to solvent-excluded hydrogen-bonding.
The student working on this project will receive training in a range of modern experimental and analytical techniques associated with physical organic chemistry including:
• organic synthesis
• theoretical background in molecular recognition
• NMR spectroscopy
• quantitative structure activity relationships
• computational modelling and ab initio calculations

Applications:
Applicants should express a keen interest in organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and molecular recognition. Applicants should be in possession of (or expecting to obtain) a first class or upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or other cognate discipline before the 1st Oct ‘11. All applicants should email a copy of their CV to scott.cockroft@ed.ac.uk. Please include a brief description of previous research experience, and the contact details of two referees.
Applications should be made as soon is as possible such that scholarship applications can be prepared where appropriate (deadlines 1st Feb ‘11). However, applications received as late as 1st March ‘11 may still be considered.

UK/EU/Swiss applicants, should ideally apply for an EaStChem research excellence scholarship before the 1st February deadline in addition to the application procedure detailed above:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/postgraduate/uk-eu/science-engineeering/chemistry/eastchem

Outstanding applicants from outside of the UK/EU/Switzerland, may be eligible for overseas scholarships that will either fully cover overseas tuition fees or reduce them by £5,000 per annum, and they should contact scott.cockroft@ed.ac.uk as soon as is possible to explore these possibilities.

Further information: http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/scockrof/research.php

Informal enquiries should be directed to scott.cockroft@ed.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 4758.

Post-Doctoral Positions In The Laboratory of Functional Genetics,Belgium

Post-Doctoral Positions In The Laboratory of Functional Genetics
GIGA
Location: Liege (Belgium)
Available from: 2011-01-06
Organisation type: research
Language requirements: EN (good), EN (expert), FR (medium), FR (good), FR (expert)
Job type: full-time
Hours per week: 38
Category: Biology
Clinical
Chemistry
Pharmaceuticals
Medical
Education: PhD

Post-doctoral positions are open in 2011 for highly motivated individuals to join the
Laboratory of Functional Genetics at the GIGA Research Centre, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium. The positions are open for 2 (+2) years.

The projects will be to conduct phenotypic studies on new mutant mouse models related to cancer and other subjects. A strong background in basic biotechnologies (PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture and transfection) is required; an expertise in the analysis of genetically-modified mice and knowledge of flow cytometry or IHC technologies are highly desirable. A previous post-doctoral experience is an added value.
The Laboratory of Functional Genetics was

founded in 2010. The lab is located in the GIGA Research Centre and integrated in the CHU academic hospital. The basic approach of the laboratory is to genetically modify/mutate genes in mice
and to determine the effects of these mutations on the development and the function of the whole organism. From these studies, we are trying to establish basic principles of physiology and basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis in animal and man, as well as to define new

therapeutic targets and markers of disease state (see selected publications below). In
particular, the laboratory focuses on genes implicated in the control of inositides
metabolism and signalling.

Please send a motivation letter, Curriculum Vitae, list of publications and name/contact
information of 1 reference via email to S. Schurmans (at sschurmans@ulg.ac.be).

Selected References: SHIP2 in insulin signaling and diabetes (Nature 2001, Diabetes 2002 & 2004), Itpkb in lymphocyte/neutrophil development and functions (Nature Immunol 2003, PNAS 2007 & 2008, Immunity 2007), Inpp5e in mouse and human ciliopathies (Nature Genetics 2009 & 2009) and NCX3 in muscle physiology (J. Clin. Invest. 2004).