PhD Student (gn*) Chemistry, (Bio)-Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, (Bio)-Medicine

(*gn=gender neutral)

The European Institute for Molecular Imaging at the University of Münster, is offering a position for a project on the biology of guidance receptors in neuronal development and cancer, initially limited to 3 years.

Part-time with 25 h/week (65 %)
Salary according to TV-L E13

The laboratory and project:
The group of Dr. Maria Florencia Sánchez is part of the inter-faculty European Institute of Molecular Imaging. Our research focuses in understand how receptors sense the environment and respond generating selective responses. We will study an undervalued receptor family, plexins. These receptors are involved in neuronal development, but also in shaping the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal systems and kidney. Further, plexins regulate immune responses and cancer becoming a very attractive drug target. By combining nanotechnology, cell biology and advanced microscopy we aim to unravel how membrane organization and clustering of plexins regulate signaling.  
For further information about the group and our new Multiscale Imaging Centre, please visit our webpage.
The experimental program includes chemical biology, nanotechnology (photolithography, 3D printing) and cutting-edge imaging methods. Biophysic and cell biology strategies complete this interdisciplinary project. The position is funded by an Emmy Noether DFG grant. The PhD student will be enrolled in the CiM-IMPRS graduate program known for excellent research and teaching in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences.

Your profile:

• Highly motivated and ambitious students with a Master in Chemistry, (Bio)-Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, (Bio)-Medicine
• Strong interest in nanotechnology and fluorescence microscopy methods 
• Experience with lab work (preferably with cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry and confocal microscopy)
• We encourage applicants with a broad experimental-analytical interest, as the job holder will contribute both to the development of new methods and their application to investigate the role of plexin signaling in neuronal development and cancer 
• Oral and written communication skills - English (required) and German (desired)
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team

What we offer:

• An employment contract initially limited to three years with longer-term prospects
• A broad education and training in the structured graduate programme of our highly interactive consortium
• Career development in a multidisciplinary and committed research team. Mentorship, scientific thinking, problem solving, and teamwork will be strongly promoted.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application until 31.07.2024 including:

• Cover letter describing your research interest and why you are suitable for the position (max. 1 page)
• CV including a list of relevant publications
• Copy of the official academic transcript of your degree or a letter stating when your degree will be obtained
• Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers for academic references/recommendation letters

The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them.