hiri helmholtz institute for rna-based infection research · hiri helmholtz institute for rna-based...
TRANSCRIPT
HIRI HElmholtzInstitute for RNA-based Infection Research
HZI HElmholtzCentre for Infection Research
INSTITUTION OF IN COOPERATION WITH
www.helmholtz-hiri.de
The research group “Host-Pathogen-Microbiota Interaction” (HOPI) of Jun. Prof. Alexander J. Westermann at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based infection research (HIRI) in Würzburg (Germany) is offering a
PhD position “Bacterial RNA biology in the gut microbiota”
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) has been established in May 2017 as joint venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU). Located on the Würzburg medical campus, it is the first research institution worldwide to exclusively address the role of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in infection processes. Based on these findings, the HIRI will pioneer an integrative approach to exploit the vast potential of RNAs as a diagnostic molecule, target and drug for new strategies to combat infectious diseases. For further information, please visit: www.helmholtz-hiri.de or www.helmholtz-hzi.de/hiri.
Project description:The HIRI is recruiting a doctoral student to identify and characterize noncoding RNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in anaerobic bacterial members of the mammalian gut microbiota. The project will rely on microbiological and cell-culture techniques, CRISPR interference screening, RNA-seq approaches, and the mechanistic characterization of the resulting RNA and RBP candidates using bacterial genetics and a variety of biochemical approaches. More information on current research themes in the research group can be found as part of Jun. Prof. Westermann’s profile on the HZI website. The successful applicant will work in the dynamic environment of the HIRI in Würzburg, which is part of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/). The selected applicant will further be embedded within the highly successful structured doctoral training program of the Graduate School Life Sciences (GSLS) Würzburg (http://www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/life-sciences/doctoral-researchers/).
Further reading:• Westermann et al. (2016) Nature 529:496-501• Westermann & Barquist et al. (2017) Plos Pathog 13(2):e1006033• Hör, Gorski, Vogel (2018) Mol Cell S1097-2765(17)30980-2
Qualifications:• Master’s Degree/Diploma in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, biotechnology, bioinformatics or a related field • Basic practical molecular biological, biochemical and/or microbiological skills • Previous experience in infection biology, bacteriology or RNA biology• Strong written and spoken English language communication skills • Ability to work independently and as part of an international team • A strong desire to do research, enthusiastic, creative and highly self-motivated
Desired (non-essential) background:• Previous experience working with large-scale biological data sets, particularly RNA-seq and/or CRISPRi data• Familiarity with the microbiome• Knowledge of a scripting language (Python, Perl, etc.) and R
Equally well-qualified disabled applicants will be given preference. The HIRI expressly invites women to apply.
Starting date: November 15, 2018 - Initial term 1 year, with the possibility of an extension of additional 2 years –Place of work: Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, GermanySalary: TVöD E13 (50%) with the possibility of an additional payment of 10%Probation period: 6 monthsPublished: September 11, 2018Closing date: October 14, 2018Application: Applicants are required to complete the online application form here: https://hzi.opencampus.net/ (Please refer to the job number 64/2018).
For more details regarding the PhD project, please contact Jun. Prof. Alexander J. Westermann via E-Mail: [email protected]
Job announcement No. 64/2018