PhD Project "Molecular mechanisms of stress granule phase separation" (Ruggieri-02) - Heidelberg University

Employer

Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Description

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student to join our team.

The assembly of stress granules is an integral part of the host stress response, a central pathway that controls host protein synthesis [1]. Stress granules form by a cytosolic liquid-liquid phase separation event in which stalled mRNAs are separated from the rest of the cytosol along with translation factors and RNA-binding proteins. Stress granules are often observed during viral infections. Our previous research has shown that chronic infection with hepatitis C virus induces a unique temporal control of this stress response, with alternating states of translational arrest and activation accompanied by the assembly and disassembly of cytosolic stress granules [2,3]. Stress granules are dynamic structures that rapidly assemble under various stress conditions and disassemble within minutes as cells recover from stress. However, the formation of persistent stress granules has been implicated in the pathogenesis of stress-related diseases and inflammatory conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

You will be engaged in an ambitious project at the interface of molecular biology and synthetic cell biology. The project aims at investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in stress granule disassembly, including the role of post-translational modifications, in the context of viral infections, immunity, and neurodegenerative diseases. For this, you will combine analyses in living cells with cell-free droplet-based microfluidics approaches. This project will make a major contribution to our molecular understanding of stress granule phase separation and pave the way for the long-term development of therapeutic interventions.

We offer an open, dynamic, and challenging work environment where teamwork, initiative and originality are encouraged and valued.

Candidate requirements

- Master degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or Molecular Biosciences.
- Dedicated interest in cell biology, synthetic biology and strong scientific curiosity.
- Solid experience in state-of-the-art cell biology and molecular biology techniques.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team.
- High motivation, reliability, and initiative.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Further details

Please read more under "Open PhD Positions" on: https://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de

Possible start of employment: Tuesday, 01 October 2024.

Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term

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