The International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena) gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.
We invite applications for aPhD Student Position (Ref.No. 11/2011)
The entrainment of the circadian clock by light-dark and temperature cycles: Functional analysis of components of involved signaling pathways
An endogenous circadian clock controls many daily processes in eukaryotes and some prokaryotes. This clock can be entrained by light-dark as well as by temperature cycles. Thus, biomolecular interactions with the abiotic factors light and temperature are relevant. We are interested in finding molecular components that are involved in the signaling pathways that lead to the synchronization of the circadian clock. We focus our studies on the unicellular, biflagellate, green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii whose tactic behavior is controlled by the circadian clock. This organism is well suited for investigations at the molecular level, since its entire genome has been sequenced and many molecular genetics methods as well as proteome analysis tools have been established. We investigate photoreceptors that are involved in the entrainment of the clock by light-dark cycles. In addition, we analyze clock-relevant components that are able to integrate temperature information and thus m
ay be relevant for the entrainment by temperature cycles. The project aims to functionally characterize some of the involved components. For literature see: http://www.uni-jena.de/en/Publications_page_5826.html
We expect:
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around “Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions”. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
- high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS
- an integrative and cooperative personality
- very good communication skills in English
We offer:
- a top-level research environment
- efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)
- courses in state-of-the-art technologies and soft skills
- strong communication and interaction between the involved institutions
- Jena – City of Science: innovative business activities, successful scientific centres and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University
Further information:
Prof. Dr. Maria Mittag, PI
M.Mittag@uni-jena.de
Dr. Christine Vogler, ILRS Coordinator ilrs@hki-jena.de
For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website
and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications in English including the completed “Statement of Interest”, curriculum vitae, copies of relevant certificates (MSc, BSc, etc.), and references should be submitted to:
Deadline for application: November 30, 2011.