PhD Student in Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team at the University of Münster. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative project focused on the structure and function of the extracellular matrix and integrin receptors, with a specific emphasis on their role in developmental processes, tissue homeostasis, and pathophysiological processes such as inflammation.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry or related fields and a keen interest in understanding the complex interactions between cells and their environment. They will also possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
Responsibilities:
* Design and synthesize novel collagenase-sensitive probes that can be used to study collagen degradation in real-time.
* Evaluate the thermal stability and affinity of these probes for different proteases.
* Develop non-cleavable homologs of the collagenase-sensitive probes that block the active site of collagenases.
* Use these probes to localize and quantify collagenase activity in damaged tissue.
* Assess the inhibition of collagenase-targeting tools on different collagenases.
Expected Results:
* Development of novel diagnostic tools for mapping and quantifying collagenase activity within wounded tissue.
* A test to determine collagenase activity as a marker of (aberrant) wound healing.
* This study will also bring forth lead structures based on triple-helical collagen structures that may serve as collagenase inhibitors that can also be used in mechanistic studies.
* Acquisition of common methods of molecular biology, protein expression, purification and modification, protein-chemical analysis and detection, biophysical measurement, and microscopy, as well as cell culture technology.