Ph.D. position (m/f/d) in Life Science

Ph.D. position (m/f/d) in Life Science

Hannover, Germany

Application Deadline: 09.04.2023

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Medical School Hannover is looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate (m/f/d) with an interest in cell biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology and muscle physiology. We welcome applications from candidates with a recent MSc-degree in life sciences.

Project description:

The relevance of the SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) pathway in muscle physiology is an emerging aspect of biology, which remains poorly understood. Muscle atrophy/cachexia - an end stage muscle wasting disorder associated with cancer and several other diseases- severely perturbs muscle mass and function. Recently, we showed that epigenetic regulatory features of the SUMO pathway are involved in correct organization of the sarcomere, the fundamental structural and functional unit of striated muscle cells. One key question i.e., whether SUMO pathway as whole is associated with cachexia remained unknown. By employing ChIPseq, RNAseq and proteomic tools, the proposed PhD project aims to investigate further crucial roles of the SUMO isopeptidases in muscle cell organization and cachexia. For more information on the project background, check the following references.

1. Amrute-Nayak, M., Gand, LV., Khan, B., Holler T, Kefalakes, E., Kosanke, M., Kraft, T., and Nayak A*. (2022). SENP7 deSUMOylase-governed transcriptional program coordinates sarcomere assembly and is targeted in muscle atrophy. Cell Reports. Nov 22;41(8):111702. (* Corresponding author).
2. Amrute-Nayak, M., Pegoli, G., Holler, T., Lopez-Davila, AJ., Lanzuolo, C., and Nayak, A*. (2020). Chemotherapy triggers cachexia by deregulating synergetic function of histone-modifying enzymes. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. Dec 10. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.12645. (* Corresponding author).
3. Nayak, A.*, Lopez-Davila, AJ., Kefalakes, E., Holler, T., Kraft, T., Amrute-Nayak, M. (2019). Regulation of SETD7 Methyltransferase by SENP3 is Crucial for Sarcomere Organization and Cachexia. Cell Reports. Vol 27, issue 9, P2725-2736.e4, May 28. (*Corresponding author)

We offer:

• A Ph.D. position, initially for three years with possibility of extension.
• An exciting project with defined objectives of potential clinical significance.
• An international working atmosphere.
• State-of-the-art research facilities and possibilities of collaborative research including working with human-derived muscle cells/tissue.
• Opportunity for brief teaching activities.

What we are looking for:

• We expect excellent academic scores and prior research experience.
• Good knowledge in bioinformatics (Galaxy, IPA, R etc.) and proteomics data analysis (MaxQuant, Cytoscape) is a strong plus.

• Theoretical and basic practical knowledge in cell and molecular biology and biochemistry. 
• Analytical and goal-oriented approach towards project.
• Preparedness to work independently, as well as in a team and take project/lab-related responsibilities.

Application:

The application should include a CV, a short summary of previous research exposure and a short description on why the candidate is interested in this project. The MHH is committed to promoting women in professional life. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they have the same qualifications.

Contact Dr. Arnab Nayak for further questions and submit your applications per email to- Nayak.Arnab@mh-hannover.de or nayakarnab@yahoo.com

Contact Address

Dr. Arnab Nayak,

Principal Investigator, Chromatin and SUMO physiology group

Institute for Molecular- and Cell physiology,

Building- J3 /ebene 03, OE 4210. Hannover Medical School. Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. Phone: +49 511 532 2094. Fax: +49 511 532 4296

For more information on the lab’s research interests, visit the group sites at –

https://www.mhh.de/en/mzp-group-nayak