PhD position in Deciphering the mechanical properties of bio membranes and developing a treatment strategy to improve those during ageing

With aging, the intricate relationship between vascular health and cognitive function is increasingly well understood. The cerebral vasculature, composed mainly of tightly packed endothelial cells, is permanently exposed to cyclic mechanical strain from blood pressure. During ageing and under elevated oxidative stress, a systemic and progressive restructuring of the endothelial cell membrane has been observed, resulting in impaired vascular mechanical function. Therefore, the aim of this work is to assess the relative contributions of membrane peroxidation to the increased membrane rigidity observed during ageing. Moreover, we intend to protect and modulate the plasma and mitochondrial membranes of neurovascular cells against oxidative damage.

Institute issuing the offer: IBI-2

Your Job:

• Determination of the lipid composition in human endothelial cells with and without oxidative stress Development of model membranes to mimic the endothelial membrane composition
• Analyzing membrane fluidity, flexibility, and expansion ability under oxidative stress in model membranes and in neurovascular cell cultures in vitro
• Modulation of the endothelial cell membranes, both in vitro and in vivo, using fusogenic liposomes to improve mechanical membrane properties
• Methods, such as micropipette aspiration, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy, MALDI-TOF, and basic cell culture
• Summarizing your results in manuscripts and presenting them at conferences

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, medical chemistry, or related fields
• Strong practical skills in chemical and/or biological laboratories
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Based on the complexity of the project, motivation to learn new skills to expand scientific knowledge
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Very good written and oral communication skills in English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements); knowledge of German is beneficial

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

We work on cutting-edge research topics with a high potential to positively impact society. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will participate in a world-leading, international research environment with state-of-the-art equipment
• RESEARCH & TEAM: Opportunity to work in the highly interdisciplinary and exciting field of mechanobiology, collaborating with chemists, physicists, neuroscientists, and engineers
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually, e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 3,5 years
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (65%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. Additional compensation beyond the base salary may be possible. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and and on the targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our Online-Recruitment-System!

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