A PhD fellowship is available at the Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research as part of a larger joint research effort on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Focus of the research project “Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Context of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)” is to combine results from human molecular genetics and in Drosophila melanogaster to gain a mechanistic understanding of how altered mitochondrial dysfunction affects the progression of HSP.
Aim of the advertised project is to use Drosophila Genetics to increase our understanding of the molecular cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia. Next, the successful candidate will use a combination of *behavioral assays, in vivo imaging and super resolution microscopy * to address the temporal sequence of cellular events that lead ultimately to the loss of the affected neurons.
You should be a highly motivated student with top grades, talent and creativity. You should furthermore be willing to visit collaborating laboratories in the course of you PhD to learn techniques and undertake experiments.
The University of Tübingen offers a stimulating and interactive scientific environment at the internationally competitive level. This includes for example the Max Plank Institutes for Developmental Biology and Biological Cybernetics, the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory, the Cluster of Excellence for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN) and the Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders (DZNE) as well as a Center for Rare Diseases.
Applications should include a CV, academic achievements, a brief statement of research interests including your past experience and names of at least 2 referees. Applicants are expected to show a sincere and specific interest in the project. Applications received by October 1, 2011, will be given first consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered only if the position has not been filled. Please use PhD_1011 as subject for you e-mail application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.