The Fenech lab is looking for two Doctoral students in Experimental Cell Biology!
The Fenech lab is a recently established DFG-funded Emmy-Noether research group at the Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne.
We are located on one of Europe‘s top research campuses with state-of-the-art facilities. We aim to understand why, in the eukaryotic secretory pathway, so many similar proteins function alongside each other. These similar machineries – called homologs – can ‘back each other up’ with shared functions. However, all of them also have important unique functions and features, and for most, we still don’t know what underlying molecular mechanisms define this specificity. To uncover these, we use a combination of high-throughput protein interactor profiling, cell biology and biochemical tools in baker’s yeast and mammalian cells to find unique regulators and/or clients of homologous machineries.
We are looking for two enthusiastic doctoral researchers that share our fascination of how the largest organelle in the cell – the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) – works.
Requirements
A Master’s Degree in Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar.
An interest in organelle biology and/or membrane protein complexes, protein homologs and using proteomic methods.
Experience in experimental biology. Molecular biology methods (cloning, PCR) and western blotting are relevant for both positions. One position will use baker’s yeast as a model organism, and the other, human cells in tissue culture. Experience with either will be considered an advantage. Applicants with data analysis skills will also be favoured.
Proficiency in English.
Your tasks
Designing, performing and analysing proteomics experiments.
Building hypothesis-based theories and testing them using a range of different cell biology and biochemical techniques.
Handling and manipulating yeast whole-genome collections or patient-derived samples.
Preparation of figures and data for presentating at meetings and conferences; writing reports, manuscripts and a PhD thesis dissertation.
We offer
Strong mentorship to promote scientific independence.
An excellent and international biology research environment.
A supportive, collaborative and friendly atmosphere.
Participation in further training programs.
- A TV-L salary (E13, 65%), including social benefits, available for 3 years, ideally starting in April/May 2025, with the possibility to extend.
Does this sound interesting to you and you want to join our dynamic team?
Please submit your application via the onlyfy portal as a single PDF containing a self-written cover/motivation letter (no more than 1 page), a short CV (containing any publications and the contact details of two referees) and relevant copies of degree certificates.
For further information, please contact Dr. Emma Fenech (efenech
uni-koeln.de).
Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability and qualification. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.