We are inviting applications for a
DFG-funded PhD position (m/f/d)
in the group of Prof. Dr. Michael Böttcher (www.boettcher-lab.net) at the Institute of Molecular Medicine (Universitätsmedizin Halle) in close collaboration with Dr. Markus Morkel (Charité Berlin). The project focuses on the identification and functional analysis of regulators of subcellular ERK1/2 activity in colorectal cancer.
Project Overview:
The MAPK pathway plays crucial roles in cancer cell proliferation, survival, and therapy resistance. This project aims to dissect the compartment-specific regulation of ERK1/2 signaling, understand its role in therapy resistance, and identify novel regulators using innovative CRISPR screening approaches combined with advanced imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and phospho-proteomics.
Employ a novel dual-color ERK1/2 reporter system in colorectal cancer models
Perform high-content CRISPR screens to identify modulators of nuclear and cytoplasmic ERK1/2 activity
Validate and characterize candidate regulators via molecular biology, live-cell imaging, phospho-proteomics, and scRNA-seq
Explore the therapeutic relevance of newly identified ERK1/2 regulators
Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the life sciences
Interest in cancer biology, signal transduction, and CRISPR technologies
Experience with molecular cloning techniques
Experience with lentiviral transduction of human cells
Experience with genome editing in human cells
Programming skills in R and/or Python are a plus
Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively in a team
Access to excellent facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, CRISPR screening, single-cell RNA sequencing, and proteomics
A highly collaborative project with opportunities for publications and participation in international conferences
Salary according to 13 TV-L (in part-time 65 %)
Funding for 3 years (with potential for extension)
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg gives priority to applications from severely disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.