Interplay of ROS with the mechanical properties of

                          mitochondria, membranes and cells

                          RTG 1947, BiOx and ZIK HIKE (University of Greisfwald)

One PhD Position dedicated to study the link between Regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and cellular mechanical properties is available from October 2017 at the University of Greifswald.

Applications are invited from highly motived students with a Background in biology, biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering or related fields. Successful  candidates will work in an interdisciplinary Team of international scientists at the Center of Innovation for Humoral Immune Responses in Cardiovascular Disorders (ZIK HIKE), University of Greifswald, Germany.

ZIK HIKE is an interdisciplinary institute and a joint project of the faculty of natural sciences and the faculty of medicine at the University of Greifswald. Here, the laboratory of Biomechanics headed by Dr. Oliver Otto focuses on studying the mechanical properties of cells. We explore fundamentally relevant biological questions developing and applying state-of-the art biophysical and nanotechnological methods.

The current project aims to investigate tafazzin-induced (TAZ) cardiolipin remodeling in the mitochondrial Membrane of eukaryotic cells, the corresponding Alteration in ROS Levels and their Impact on cell mechanical properties. While ROS release from mitochondria has already been describd as a regulator of actomyosin, a direct link between molecular composition of the cytoskeleton and cellular mechanical properties remains elusive. Here, the student will focus on a molecular and mechanical chraracterization of mitochondria and cells applying a novel approach, real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC) to study the Impact of altered ROS levels on the mechanical properties of membranes, mitochondria and entire cells (Nature Methods, 2015). Access to state-of-the-art instruments like microscopes, multiplate readers, PCR systems with single cell capabilities, flow cytometers and cell sorting equipment is available.

The successful canditate should have previous experience in working with cell culture, DNA & RNA manipulation, mutagenesis or gene expression and will benefit from an ongoing collaborative network of national and international research institutes (e. g. German Center of Cardiovascular Research).

The project will be carried out as part of the Research Training Group "Biochemical, biophysical and biomedical effects of reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species on biological membranes" (RTG 1947) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. For Details see the Webpage of the Graduate School (www.physik.uni-greifswald.de/dfg-forschungsverbuende/biox/). Payment and benefits are based on TV-L guidlines.

Please submit your application containing a cover letter, a CV and the contact Details of three Referees to Dr. Oliver Otto via E-Mail: Oliver.otto@uni-greifswald.de

One Postdoc Position (funded by an ERC Starting Grant) devoted to characterize by atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy endogenous/modified proteins and their binding interaction with autoantibodies is available at the University of Greifswald.

The aim of the project is to explore the antibody-mediated immune reactions to endogenous proteins using atomic force microscopy and single molecule force spectroscopy. The interaction of autoantibody-antigen complexes with cells of the immune system and the effect they may have on cell mechanics will be also characterized. The final goal is to better unterstand autoimmunity and to develop new ways for prevention and treatment in medicine, and to optimize the production of safer biotherapeutic drugs.

Candidates must have a PhD in a physical/natural science field and a strong background in AFM/force spectroscopy theory and operation and the ability to work both independently and  in a dynamic collaborative multidisciplinary research team. Independent thinking, team spirt and communication are crucial for a successful development of the project.

Greifswald is a small and vibrant city at the Baltic Sea, which hosts one of Europe´s most modern university clinics and an expanding university campus. Daily life reflects both the high percentage of students and the closeness to the Baltic Sea.

Starting date of the position: immediately. The salary level is TVL-E13, 100 %.

Interested  candidates are asked to send their applications (incl. cover letter, CV, names and contact details of two references) to Prof. Dr. Mihaela Delcea (delceam@uni-Greifswald.de).

PhD student position in biophysics

Applications are invited from highly motived students with a background in biophysics, biology, biochemistry or related fields. Successful candidates (with experience in working with proteins and cells) will work in an interdisciplinary team of international scientists at the Center of Innovation for Humoral Immune Responses in Cardiovascular Disorders (ZIK HIKE), University of Greifswald, Germany.

ZIK HIKE is an interdisciplinary institute and a joint project of the faculty of natural sciences and the faculty of medicine at the University of Greifswald. 

The project aims to study the influence of oxidants derived from platelets on the activation of αIIbβ3. For this purpose, αIIbβ3 will be reconstituted in a membrane environment (lipid bilayers) and will let to interact with exogenous oxidants and their products (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂; superoxides, O₂^-; nitric oxide, ^.NO). Protein modification (activation) as a result of oxidative damage will be investigated using a combination of biophysical techniques. Liposome preparation and αIIbβ3 incorporation will be carried out and characterized by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) will be used to prove whether or not αIIbβ3 is activated. In addition, antibodies which recognize the activated αIIbβ3 will be used in an enzyme immunosorbent assay to validate protein activation by oxidants. The interaction of oxidants and their products with αIIbβ3 will be also investigated under various pH, ions and temperature conditions

The project will be carried out as part of the Research Training Group "Biochemical, biophysical and biomedical effects of reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen species on biological membranes" (RTG 1947) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. For Details see the Webpage of the Graduate School (www.physik.uni-greifswald.de/dfg-forschungsverbuende/biox/). Payment and benefits are based on TV-L guidlines. 

Applications containing a cover letter, a CV and the contact details of two Referees should be submitted to Prof. Dr. Mihaela Delcea via E-Mail: delceam@uni-greifswald.de

Die ERC-Gruppe um Dr. Mihaela Delcea sucht

Studenten der

Humanbiologie

Biochemie

Pharmazie

zur Bachelorarbeit in verschiedensten Bereichen der Proteinexpression/-aufreinigung, Analytik oder molekularer Biologie mit medizinischem Forschungshintergrund.

Du möchtest in einem jungen dynamischen Team neue Wege ausprobieren?

Dann informiere Dich jetzt bei

Dr. M. Delcea                        Tel.: 86-22343

                                        E-Mail: delceam@uni-greifswald.de