Goethe University Frankfurt am Main is one of the largest universities in Germany with approximately 48,000 students and 5,000 employees. Founded in 1914 by citizens of Frankfurt, Goethe University possesses a high degree of independence, modernity and subject diversity. As a comprehensive university, Goethe University Frankfurt offers more than 100 courses of study on five campuses in a total of 16 departments and at the same time has an outstanding research strength.
The following position is currently available at the Vascular Research Center Frankfurt (VRC):
PhD Student (m/f/d)
(Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, or similar)
for the topic
“Endothelial long-non-coding RNAs in vascular biology and regeneration”.
The Vascular Research Centre is an institute of basic biomedical research at the Department of Medicine of Goethe University, which is closely integrated into three Collaborative Research Centres, the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI) Cluster of Excellence of the Universities of Frankfurt & Giessen, along with the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim, and the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). We investigate signal transduction processes in cells of the cardiovascular system and their relevance for diseases of this system. The investigations are particularly aimed at understanding and developing therapies against myocardial infarction and vascular neoplasia. A wide range of methods from cell culture and integrative physiology will be used in the course of the projects.
Tasks:
The aim of the PhD thesis is the analysis of human long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with regard to their molecular and physiological functions in vascular cells. LncRNAs will be studied in the context of epigenetic complex remodelling and DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation. Therefore typical molecular and physiological methods will be learned and used, e.g. cell culture, IP, RNA-IP, Western Analysis, Cloning, RNAi, RNA-FISH, Immunofluorescence, CRISPR/Cas9 (KO, CRISPRi, CRISPRa, Cas13, Prime editing), spheroid and proliferation assays, as well as tube formation. Additionally, the generation of next-generation sequencing datasets by RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Hi-C, Cut&Run and ATAC-Seq will be learned applied, and analyzed, with opportunities to develop associated bioinformatic skillsets. Experience in these methods is not mandatory, but a plus. By selective modulation of lncRNAs enriched in endothelial cells, new approaches to improve vascular regeneration in patients will be developed.
Qualification Profile
- University degree in a life science related subject
- At least some experience in genomics, genetics, RNA research or bioinformatics
- Personal commitment and ambition towards the project
- Interest in independent work in a team
- Flexibility, reliability, sense of responsibility, initiative, creativity
We offer
- An exciting international environment in the field of basic medical research with interesting and highly relevant research projects
- A dynamic, helpful and friendly team
- A broad spectrum of methods incl. several cutting-edge techniques
- Participation in national and international congresses
- Structured doctoral training
- Mentoring
- A varied, creative research environment and excellent equipment
- An attractive collective agreement (TV-G-U).
- The Hessenticket: free use of public transport in Hesse (“Landesticket”)
The position is initially limited to 3 years (with an option to extend).
Interested? Please send your documents (curriculum vitae, cover letter, copies of certificates and, if applicable, references) preferably by email (jobs@vrc.uni-frankfurt.de) under the reference JVReGenLnc/03phd as one complete PDF to Prof. R. Brandes, Vascular Research Centre, Haus 74/75, 2nd floor, Department of Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Tel: 069-6301 85321, Internet: www.vrc.uni-frankfurt.de.