Walking the Tightrope Between Life and Death: Unveiling Iron Regulation by Oxygen

15 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Israel

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2024 - 09:00 (Asia/Jerusalem)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Iron is vital for all animals, including humans. However, its dual nature presents a paradox: while essential, iron can also catalyze the production of oxygen-free radicals, leading to oxidative injury, disease conditions, and death, death. This duality underscores the critical need for precise regulation of iron levels in response to changes in oxygen levels and its metabolic products, i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS). Unraveling the mechanisms behind this meticulous control at cellular and whole-animal levels represents an unresolved challenge in biology and medicine.

Our laboratory has made some fundamental discoveries in this area. We've uncovered that the ferritin complex FTN-1's expression significantly intensifies under low oxygen conditions (hypoxia) and conversely diminishes in standard oxygen environments (21%). This regulation, intriguingly, is significantly influenced by the transcription factor HIF-1 in a unique and complex manner. Additionally, our research suggests that neuronal control plays a pivotal role in the expression of FTN-1. However, the underlying mechanisms of action are still unknown.

Understanding these processes is crucial, as ferritin plays a central role in iron regulation across all animals, from simple bacteria to humans. This is where your involvement becomes vital. We are seeking dedicated PhD research students and postdocs to explore this fascinating field. You will use various advanced methodologies, including microscopy, genetics, and biochemical techniques, and work with both C. elegans and human cell lines as model systems.

If you're interested and eager to learn more, please send your resume to Prof. Einav Gross at [email protected] and become part of a team at the forefront of biological and medical sciences.

We offer full scholarships to suitable PhD and postdoc candidates. While experience in C. elegans and tissue culture is beneficial, it is not required. However, experience in basic molecular biology (cloning, PCR) is essential.

Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

2

Company/Institute

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Country

Israel

State/Province

Please select:

City

Jerusalem

Postal Code

9112102

Street

Ein Kerem, 9112102, Jerusalem

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Please select:

City

Jerusalem

Website

https://medicine.ekmd.huji.ac.il/en/publications/researchersPages/pages/einavg.aspx

Street

Ein Kerem, 9112102, Jerusalem

Postal Code

9112102

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

026758338

STATUS: EXPIRED