The Hanseatic city of Rostock is a lively and child-friendly port city on the Baltic Sea. Rostock University Medical Center (www.med.uni-rostock.de) is the maximum care provider for the region of Rostock, a growth region with great potential.

The Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel” at the Department of Neurology investigates the molecular causes of neuronal dysfunction in various neurodegenerative diseases. Aiming for the translation of innovative therapies into the clinical neurology, the main focus of the group is the application of human cell models of pathological aging (progeria infantilis and adultorum, down-syndrome), of adult neurodegeneration (ALS/FTD, Parkinson´s disease) and of juvenile neurodegeneration (chorea-acanthocytosis, Niemann pick type C, NCL).

We are currently looking for a PhD student (m/f/d) to start on the 01.01.2025, initially limited to 2 years, with the option for prolongation, paid according to TV-L.

Tender No. 335 N/2024
End of tender: open

Project title: The role of ER-mitochondria signalling in PRKN-associated Parkinson´s disease

The focus of the project concerns the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin in the pathogenesis of Parkinson´s disease. Parkin is critically involved in mitophagy, the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, mtDNA maintenance and metabolic function, possibly by regulating the interplay of mitochondria and the ER. In the planned project, we want to investigate how Parkin is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial DNA maintenance and what role the contact sites between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum play in this context. The results will help to elucidate at the cellular level how mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

For this project, neuronal cell cultures from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from healthy controls and from Parkinson's patients with mutations in Parkin are used. Using state-of-the-art super-resolution live cell microscopy (Airyscan technology), interorganelle structures and functions are investigated, such as the transfer of calcium ions between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial DNA, or the function and interaction of different organelles.

In the project, we are working closely with European partners from the University of Luxembourg: Prof. Anne Grünewald from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is an expert in the field of Parkin-induced disruption of mitochondrial DNA in the context of Parkinson's disease. Prof. Gunnar Dittmar from the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) works in the field of proteomics analysis using mass spectrometry and will investigate the proteome of different organelle interaction sites.

• Excellent university degree (Master's or comparable) in biology / biochemistry / biotechnology or related natural sciences
• Enjoy experimental work and interest in clinically oriented basic research
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology methods (microscopy, Western blot, PCR) is an advantage
• Ability to work independenty and ability to familiarize yourself with new issues
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English

• Company health management 
• Company pension scheme in the VBL   
• Use of a job ticket (employer subsidy) for local public transport-     
• Company conditions in Rostock gyms, at selected events and in selected pharmacies   
• Access to university sports

Please send your complete application documents, quoting the above-mentioned above by e-mail, please only in PDF format as one file, to 

bewerbung{bei}med.uni-rostock.de

Severely disabled applicants will be given preference when filling vacancies within the framework of thelegal regulations, applicants with disabilities will be given preferential treatment.

Costs incurred in connection with the application cannot be covered.