Post-Doc

Postdoctoral Position Electron Microscopy

One Postdoctoral fellowship is available in the Synaptic Plasticity Research Group, at the Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany. Many diseases of aging, including Alzheimer's disease and various forms of Parkinsonism are associated with impaired protein homeostasis caused by improper folding, processing or transport of proteins. Our laboratory uses Drosophila as a model system to study the changes in protein homeostasis that alter cellular function and lead to the initiation of a pathological chain reaction. The focus of our research interests are primarily: (1) anterograde axonal transport, (2) synaptic plasticity and (3) mitochondrial dynamics and function.

The aim of your project would be to study - in the context of several established disease models- the time sequence of “disease manifestation” in vivo (see Nat Protocols 2007; 2(12):3285-98). In addition, defined positions inside the neuron, with a known history, for example an emerging axonal swelling that has been followed by in vivo imaging for hours, would be re-identified via electron microscopy. The ability to correlate this known history with the high resolution of electron microsopy will allow us to study the structure and composition of disease intermediates in great detail and will hopefully enable you to play a valuable role in the projects of our group and collaborating work groups regarding rational design of treatment strategies. Your work would be done in close collaboration with other researchers in my laboratory whom characterize the behavior and electrophysiological hallmarks of disease progression.

You should have a solid experience in EM techniques (chemical and cryo-preservation, thin section EM and immuno-labeling). Knowledge and experience in electron tomography as well as a background in cell biology, neurobiology or medicine are an advantage, but not a pre-requisite.

The university of Tübingen offers a stimulating and interactive scientific environment at the internationally competitive level. (including 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). For further information please feel free to call or send an email. We are looking forward to your application by email (CV, names and email addresses of 2-3 referees) by October 1, 2011.

Postdoctoral Position Motorneuron-Disease

A Postdoctoral fellowship is available in the Research Group Synaptic Plasticity, at the Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany. Our group uses the Drosophila Neuromuscular junction as model to address the molecular and cellular basis of synaptic plasticity. In particular, we focus on pathways that are normally involved in refining synaptic circuits via the "physiological" elimination of specific synapses. The misregulation of such pathways triggers massive, pathological loss of synapses. Thus, our work aims to achieve a better mechanistic understanding of altered synaptic plasticity in the diseased brain. Specifically, we are interested in characterizing which alterations are causative, and which are merely adaptations to neurodegenerative diseases.

Applicants should have a Ph.D, M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree with at least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in Drosophila Neurobiology, Experience in imaging is an asset. Successful candidates must have a strong publication record. Experiences in the supervision of PhD students, teaching and in writing grants are an asset. Interested persons should send their curriculum vitae with a statement of research interests.

Please use PD_0711 as subject for you e-mail application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.