PhD position (Ageing & Disease; Gene Regulation & Evolution): Quality control of mislocalized proteins (m/f/d)

Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) on Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability is offering talented students the chance to work at the cutting edge of research. As an IPP PhD student, you will join a community of exceptional scientists working on diverse topics ranging from how organisms age or how our DNA is repaired, to how epigenetics regulates cellular identity or neural memory.

Activities and responsibilities:
In the fields of “Ageing & Disease”, and “Gene Regulation & Evolution”, the research group of Anton Khmelinskii offers the following PhD project:
Correct localization of proteins throughout the different subcellular compartments is essential for cell functionality. Protein mislocalization is a constitutive problem caused by inherent inefficiencies of cellular processes and increases with aging. Proteins can also mislocalize due to mutations, as seen in various mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondrial diseases are the most common group of inherited metabolic disorders and are among the most common forms of inherited neurological disorders. Yet, the signals targeting proteins to mitochondria are not well understood. Thus, understanding how correct subcellular protein localization is achieved is not only important from the point of view of basic research but will also contribute to elucidating causes of diseases at the molecular level.

PhD Project: Quality control of mislocalized proteins
In this project we will dissect the signals targeting proteins to mitochondria. We will take advantage of powerful yeast genetics and a new method for deep mutational scanning of localization signals developed in the group to define different mitochondrial targeting motifs and to understand the impact of disease mutations.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related fields. The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic team and combine genetic screening approaches with high-throughput fluorescence microscopy, deep sequencing techniques, biochemistry and molecular biology tools to uncover the features that are necessary to achieve protein localization to mitochondria. Excellent core facilities in the institute will provide the necessary support with fluorescence microscopy, sequencing and biochemistry requirements of the project.
What we offer:
• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a fully international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community of more than 190 PhD students from 44 different countries

Requirements:
Are you an ambitious, young scientist looking to push the boundaries of science while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!
All you need is:
• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via our online form, please visit https://www.imb.de/phd

The deadline for applications is 19 November 2022.
Interviews will take place on-site in Mainz 16-18 January 2023.
Starting date: 1 March 2023 – 1 July 2023