PhD position (m/f/d) in the research group “Molecular Cell Biology”

The University of Duisburg-Essen, Center of Medical Biotechnology and its
DFG funded Collaborative Research Centre 1430/SFB1430 invites applications for a

PhD position (m/f/d)
(Salary TV-L 13)

in the research group “Molecular Cell Biology” headed by Prof. Dr. Perihan Nalbant at the Center of Medical Biotechnology, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

The DFG Collaborative Research Center/SFB 1430 "Molecular Mechanisms of Cell State Transitions" (http://www.uni-due.de/crc1430) investigates fundamental questions on switch-like mechanisms that trigger cell state transitions and cell cycle progression to identify novel therapeutic strategies for neoplastic diseases. The advertised project is embedded in this
highly interdisciplinary and international research environment and studies the switching of Rho GTPase signal network dynamics by regulatory signal networks in this context.

Project title:
Coordinated action of Rho GTPase exchange factors during cell cycle transitions

Project description:
The project aims at dissecting the precise interplay of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that control the activity of the actin regulatory Rho GTPase RhoA thereby controlling the morphodynamic switches during cell cycle state transitions.

PhD candidates will address this aim by using a multifaceted approach including:
* Development and use of cell lines with fluorescently labelled GEFs and GEF mutants
* Measurement of subcellular Rho GTPase activity dynamics using fluorescent sensors
* Use of optogenetics (LOVTRAP/iLID) and modern microscopy methods including TIRF-M, TIRF-SIM and spinning disc/laser-scanning confocal microscopy

Applicants should have a deep interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that control cellular functions and a strong background in molecular cell biology and/or microscopy (Master or Diploma degree in Biology or related fields). Candidates will be part of the PhD
program of the CRC1430.

Applicants should provide a CV, statement of motivation and contact details of at least two referees. Please send applications as a single pdf file with reference code 463-22 to [email protected]. For further information on the position please contact Perihan Nalbant.

Start of the position: at the earliest possible date
Duration of contract: 3 years, 65 %
Application deadline: July 20, 2022