2 PhD positions m/f in field of Biochemistry of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (Leipzig)

An der Fakultät für Biowissenschaften, Pharmazie und Psychologie, am Institut für Biochemie, sind im Rahmen eines von der SAB geförderten Forschungsprojektes mit dem Thema „Vaspin und das Vaspin-Kallikrein System in Adipositas und Stoffwechselerkrankung“ ab zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt - vorbehaltlich der formalen Projektbewilligung - folgende Stellen zu besetzen:

Zwei wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter/innen
geschätzte Dauer: 3 Jahre
vorgesehene Vergütung: Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L 50%

As of 2008, according to the World Health Organization close to 1.5 billion adults are overweight and of these over 200 million men and nearly 300 million women are obese. Adipose tissue has emerged from being considered as a simple fat storage tissue to an active endocrine organ secreting a multitude of bioactive molecules (adipokines). These adipokines play important roles in energy homeostasis, lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation. At the same time, adipose tissue dysfunction belongs to the primary defects in obesity and may link obesity to several health problems including increased risk of comorbidities such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension or atherosclerosis.

Our group is interested in the molecular mechanisms and signaling cascades underlying adipokine function. (Adams, Heiker et al, Int J Cardiology, 2012; Klöting et al, Diabetologia, 2011; Kosel and Heiker et al, J Cell Sci, 2010; Heiker et al, Cell Signal, 2009). In particular, we investigate how Visceral Adipose tissue derived SerPIN (vaspin) affects glucose and lipid metabolism and exerts anorexigenic effects. To address this question, we use combined in vivo-/in vitro- approaches (standard and knock-out mouse models, cell culture, proteomics, recombinant protein expression, molecular biology, mass spectrometry).

For a project analyzing the role of vaspin induced genes and signalling pathways in adipogenesis, glucose and lipid metabolism we are looking for a highly motivated, creative and flexible candidate with a masters degree in chemistry, molecular medicine or biochemistry and a proactive attitude to interact and communicate in multidisciplinary teamwork. Experience in common techniques (i.e. recombinant protein expression, cell culture, PCR, cloning, cell transfection, western blotting, microscopy, mass spectrometry) would be of advantage. Fluent English is essential.

We offer two grant-funded positions in our group situated in an excellently equipped department (fully equipped molecular biology and cell culture labs, fluorescence microscopy, FACS analyzer, MALDI-ToF and ESI MS, CD spectroscopy, analytical and preparative HPLC and FPLC systems (AEKTA purifier and explorer), peptide synthesis lab and robots, radioactivity labs, animal facility, metabolic cages etc) and a multidisciplinary work environment very closely interacting with chemists, clinicians and geneticists. We have access to patient cohorts and a large adipose tissue bank. Our PhD students will participate in the Integrated Research Training Group "Protein Science".

The positions are immediately available. Later applications maybe considered if the position is not yet filled.

Please send a single PDF consisting of your CV, copies of your degree and contact details for two references preferentially via email to:

Dr. John Heiker,
Institute for Biochemistry,
Brüderstr. 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
Email: jheiker@uni-leipzig.de