[deadline 29.09.2023 application via email only]
Center of Experimental Medicine – Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (IBMZ) – Cell
Communication and Migration Laboratory (CellComM Lab).
Job summary
We look to host a Ukrainian PhD student to start/complete the experimental aspect of the thesis, or to
develop imaging analysis or mathematical and physical models, associated to an ongoing Human Frontiers
Scientific Program (HFSP) grant to study the cellular mechanisms that control cell migration.
This offer is to develop a joint application for additional funding to support the ongoing HFSP.
What to expect
The CellComM laboratory started in mid-2020 at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and
is hosted at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (IBMZ). We are an international and
multidisciplinary team that combines live-cell imaging several state-of-the-art cell biology techniques with
microfluidics, advanced imaging analysis, and theoretical analysis to study how different cells move and
communicate during health and disease (PMID 32195344, 29162744, 29079589, 34975840;
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.10.14.512239 ; https://youtu.be/pOO4XmKlTls?t=1752).
This PhD position is within the framework of an ongoing HFSP grant. A high risk, high gain project that aims
to unveil the complex regulations of the membrane potential, ion channels, cytoskeletal dynamics and
organelle crosstalk during directional cell migration by combining experimental and theoretical approaches
in an international collaboration with chemists and physicists.
What we look for in a candidate
Ongoing PhD student in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine or related discipline (computer sciences,
mathematics or physics applied to biology could also be considered).
High motivation, curiosity and strong valued.
The following skills/knowledge are not a mandatory requisite, but it could strengthen the joint application:
2D and 3D culture and/or live-cell imaging microscopy.
Use of imaging analysis tools (i.e. ImageJ, Serial EM).
Microfluidics or micropatterning techniques.
Cell polarity, organelles and/or membrane-less organelles, ion channels, immune/cancer cells, or neurons.
Scientific integrity, collaborative spirit, resilience, kindness, and politeness at all times.
English language proficiency.
What we offer
The support to apply for 2-2.5 years term position to be filled as early as possible, but estimated January
2024 (early/later dates could be discussed). More info for HFSP terms of the Science for Ukraine initiative
(link). (The instructions for the joint application will be provided upon selection of the candidate.)
A scientific environment that values diversity, where we expect you to develop creative and independent
thinking without the constrains of a situation emerged from an unjustified aggression.
Intensive support and supervision aimed at successful dissertation and scientific publishing.
In case of similar profile women and minorities will have priority.
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application as a single .pdf file containing:
i) motivation letter (describing
current work, and potential contribution to the HFSP project),
ii) full CV,
iii) student certificate via email to p.saez@uke.de until Friday September 29, 2023 stating reference in the email subject:
Application UKR_PhD_HFSP (please copy/paste this in the subject)