PhD or Postdoc Position in RNA and Microglia Biology

The Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn is inviting applications for a 3-year PhD student or Postdoc position in the immunobiochemistry group, led by Dr. Kathrin Leppek. The project focuses on applying new molecular RNA photoswitches to regulate mRNA transport and translation in microglia, with the aim of controlling local mRNA transport and translation targeting mRNA elements. This project is part of an international collaborative grant funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program.

Lab Description:

The Leppek lab is dedicated to understanding how gene regulation is executed directly by the ribosome, and how ribosome-directed specialized translation through ribosomal RNA shapes mRNA-selective gene expression. The lab combines innovative RNA biochemistry and modern RNA-based technology development with model systems ranging from yeast to macrophages to study the role of the ribosome in innate immune responses. The lab offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for the next generation of scientists.

Project Description:

The project’s goal is to utilize cis-regulatory photoswitchable RNA tools to control local mRNA transport and translation in microglia. This interdisciplinary approach involves a combination of RNA biochemical, molecular biology, cell biology assays, mRNA translation techniques, RNA structure probing and analysis, RNA target-switch design, and more. The project will also involve collaborations with other research groups.

Employer: University Clinic Bonn
Location: Bonn, Germany
Application Deadline: August 31, 2023

Candidate Requirements:

• Hold a M.Sc. or PhD degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology/biomedicine or related fields.
• Strong background in biochemistry and/or RNA biology.
• Experience or affinity with RNA structure probing, translation regulation, synthetic chemistry, immunology, microglia biology, or data science is desirable but not required.
• Enthusiastic and highly motivated with good communication skills.
• Able to work safely, independently, and in a team environment.
• Comfortable with English as the main written/spoken language.
• Willingness to regularly travel internationally.

Offer:

The salary will be according to the German salary scale TV-L. The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity and aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are under-represented. Applications from individuals with disabilities are particularly welcome.

Application / Contact:

The ideal starting date is November 1st, 2023, or flexible but no earlier than November 1st, 2023. Motivated candidates are invited to send their application per email (including a short letter of motivation, CV, two reference contacts, and list of grades) in one single PDF as soon as possible (rolling interviews are conducted) and before August 31, 2023, directly to Dr. Kathrin Leppek (kleppek@uni-bonn.de).

For more information about the research group, visit: Leppek Group.

Note: The application address has been removed for privacy reasons.