PhD Position at Biotechnology Centre, the Chair of Cellular Machines

At TU Dresden, Biotechnology Centre, the Chair of Cellular Machines is looking for a Early Stage Researcher (Research Fellow/PhD Student) (Subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated similar to salary group E 13 TV-L) starting as soon as possible (but at the latest by December 2015), limited for three years. The period of employment is governed by § 2 Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG).
This position is funded by the European Commission under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN H2020). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification (e.g. PhD).The post is only suitable for candidates seeking full-time employment. The available position is part of the recently launched Marie Curie Initial Training Network BIOPOL (“Biochemical and mechanochemical mechanisms in polarized cells”). BIOPOL includes 7 academic and 3 industrial groups from across the European Union as well as 5 associate partners.
The doctoral programme will provide a range of educational and research opportunities focused on biochemical and mechanochemical mechanisms in polarized cells, a topic at the interface of cell/molecular biology and biological physics. Tasks: This specific project at the chair of Prof. Jochen Guck will be focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms involved in the ability of macrophages to sense the stiffness of their local environment. We have recently shown that these cells are mechanosensitive and that this could be the reason for foreign body reactions against neural implants in the brain (Moshayedi et al., Biomaterials, 2014). The specific aims include investigating the connection between membrane tension/reservoirs, membrane protein clustering, and signalling to the inflammasome. The project can also draw on extensive molecular biology and biophysics expertise available through ITN partners.
Requirements: university degree (Master or equivalent) and relevant background in cell/molecular biology, immunology and/or biophysics. Demonstrated skills related to compliant substrate preparation and characterization, micropatterning, atomic force microscopy, quantitative live cell imaging and advanced cell/molecular biology, as well as a basic knowledge of mechanosensing mechanisms and inflammatory pathways are desirable.
According to EU regulations, candidates can be of any nationality. However, they must not have worked for more than 12 months in Germany within the last three years. Furthermore, the candidates need to be in his/her first 4 years of his/her research career. The 4 years are counted from the date a degree was obtained which formally entitles to embark on a doctorate. 
Information about Jochen Guck’s research group can be found at
http://www.biotec.tu-dresden.de/research/guck/
Applications from women are particularly welcome. The same applies to
people with disabilities.
Applications must contain a motivation letter, CV, publication list, two reference letters and must be received by 14 July 2015 (stamped arrival date applies) at the following address: TU Dresden, BIOTEC, Professur fuer Zellulaere Maschinen, Herrn Prof. Jochen Guck, Tatzberg 47/49, 01307 Dresden, Germany or by email to jochen.guck@tu-dresden.de. (Please note: We are currently not able to receive electronically signed and encrypted data.). Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you.  Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

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