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PhD student position (f/m/d)
Working hours: Partime 65% (currently 25,03 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment: 3 years with option of prolongation. The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree
Start date: position available immediately
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)
Investigation of pathophysiologic mechanisms in the model system D. melanogaster
We are looking for a motivated and highly skilled PhD student to investigate the mechanisms underlying genetic epilepsies. Our research group has extensive expertise in studying the genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuronal hyperexcitability and network dysfunction. We identified and functionally characterized several new epilepsy genes on the single cell and network level 1–3, and we have developed a pipeline to study these genetic mechanisms in Drosophila melanogaster 4.
The Project:
Located in the Section of Epileptology, Department of Neurology, this project will focus on the pathology of genetic epilepsy syndromes. We will leverage the genetic toolbox of the model system D. melanogaster (binary expression systems, gene editing approaches) and multiple analysis methods, such as behavioral assay, electrophysiology, and microscopy. Furthermore, we will use techniques such as next generation sequencing advanced molecular biology, single-cell and network electrophysiology, and high-resolution imaging approaches.
1. Wolking, S. et al. Clinical spectrum of {STX1B}-related epileptic disorders. Neurology 92, e1238--e1249 (2019).
2. Helbig, I. et al. A Recurrent Missense Variant in AP2M1 Impairs Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis and Causes Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Am. J. Hum. Genet. (2019). doi:10.1016/J.AJHG.2019.04.001
3. Kraft, F. et al. Brain malformations and seizures by impaired chaperonin function of TRiC. Science 386, 516–525 (2024).
4. Fischer, F. P. et al. Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile model organism to study genetic epilepsies: An overview. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience 16, (2023).
The Requirements:
We seek highly motivated researchers interested in the pathophysiology of epilepsies. Candidates should have a master's degree in biology, medicine, or a related field (e.g., molecular biology, molecular medicine, physics), ideally with a neuroscience focus. Previous experience with genetics (next-generation sequencing), molecular biology, electrophysiology (patch clamp, EEG recordings), and Drosophila melanogaster is highly desirable but not a prerequisite.
We offer…
* a translational research setting at the interface of clinical care and basic science
* an international and interdisciplinary team
* regular internal and external seminars and workshops
* introduction to diverse scientific techniques
* close cooperations with other work groups within the faculty and university as well as international partners
* access ton nine state-of-the-art core facilities
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