PhD position in Neurobiology - Germany

A position for a doctoral student at the University of Leipzig, Department of General Zoology and
Neurobiology (Prof. Rudolf Rübsamen) is available in the project

The role of early postnatal activity in development of physiological properties of neurons and of
nuclear organization in the auditory brainstem.

The project is funded for three years by a DFG Research Grant. Application deadline: 01-May-2012.
The main focus of the project is to investigate the contribution of neuronal activity to development
of functional neuronal circuits in the central auditory system. There is increasing evidence that
spontaneous activity during early postnatal period is of general importance for establishment of
orderly connections in the CNS. The work includes whole-cell recordings in acute brain slice
preparations, imaging technique and morphological analysis. Genetically modified mice models
will be used to appraise the influence of different patterns of neuronal activity. To assess the
functional relevance, the experiments will be tightly embedded in a work of a post-doc who is
engaged in the project and performing in vivo recordings.

The Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology (www.uni-leipzig.de/~neuro), located at the
Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, is embedded in a strong neuroscience research
community at the University of Leipzig (www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/forschung/pbf/gehirn-kognition-und-sprache.html). Working facilities are excellent, and PhD students will be affiliated with the DFG Research Training Group InterNeuro (www.uni-leipzig.de/~ineuro/).

The University of Leipzig is an equal opportunity employer encouraging female scientists and
scientists with disabilities to apply.

Please send application papers only in copy without folder or by e-mail. They will be destroyed
after a retention period.

Contact address:
Prof. Dr. Rudolf Rubsamen
Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology
Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology
University of Leipzig
Talstrasse 33, 04103 Leipzig
Phone: +49 (0)341-9736723
Email: rueb@uni-leipzig.de
Web: www.uni-leipzig.de/~neuro

Tentative Submission Deadline : 1 May 2012

Phd positions at International Giessen Graduate School for the Life Sciences, Grmany

The Doctoral Programs consist of a three-year interdisciplinary graduate course curriculum combined with an experimental project leading to a dissertation. Each doctoral researcher will be supervised by two professors from different faculties and will benefit from our Doctoral Researcher Development Programme. Seminars and courses are conducted in English; German language courses are offered for international students. Depending on the project selected and own qualifications students may receive a scholarship and may be eligible to register for one of the doctoral degrees offered at the Justus Liebig University Giessen (Ph. D., Dr. med., Dr. med. dent., Dr. biol. hom., Dr. med. vet., Dr. biol. anim., Dr. phil., Dr. rer. nat., Dr. agr. and Dr. oec. troph).

Applicants can choose from eight interdisciplinary research sections: Nutrition and Metabolism; Infection and Immunity; Heart, Lung and Blood Vessels; Protein and Nucleic Acid Interactions; Neurosciences; Reproduction in Man and Animals; Stress Resistance and Adaptation; Molecular Interactions at Natural Interfaces. A Master´s degree or equivalent is required for admission.

Prospective research projects and names of supervisors as well as other information necessary for your application will be will be accessible through the application portal. 

Please submit your application using our online application system before 29 February, 2012. Please direct any enquiries concerning the online application procedure or the International Giessen Graduate School for the Life Sciences to office@ggl.uni-giessen.de .

Apply for phd position 

PhD Position in Biophysics - Germany

Project Topic : "BIOMOLECULAR SIMULATION"

Research Area : Physics of Biological and Complex Systems

Post: Phd Scholar

Deadline :Position is open until filled

Research Center : Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry / Dept. of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics

Faculty : Gottingen Graduate School for Neurosciences & Molecular Biosciences

University : University of Gottingen, Germany

Research Group : Helmut Grubmüller

Contact Details for phd project:
Antje Erdmann (imprs-pbcs@gwdg.de)

Phd FELLOWSHIP IN MEDICAL ROBOTICS

Project Title : ROBOT ASSISTED MICRO NAVIGATION IN SOFT TISSUES

Post : PhD Scholar

Salary : 1250 Euros per month

Duration :3 Years

Deadline : 15th Aug,2010

Research Area : Medical Robotics

Research Center : Institute for Robotics & Cognitive Systems, University of Luebeck, Germany

Faculty : Graduate School for computing in medicine & life sciences, University of Luebeck

Project Details :

1.) The project aims the combination of high resolution image data and precise robotic needle steering to estimate the tissue deformation caused by the probe
2.) Development of methods for precise robot control, robot dynamics & signal-image processing.

Qualifications:

1.) Master degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science
2.) Good background in Robot control, signal & image processing, biomedical research

How to Apply :

Mail the following documents to rieckhoff@rob.uni-luebeck.de

1.) Curriulum Vitae
2.) Motivational letter
3.) Two Reference Letter
4.) Copies of degree certificates and Grade transcripts

For Further Details : Contact Prof Dr. Alexander Schlaefer - Schlaefer@rob.uni-luebeck.de

PhD Scholarship - NMR Spectroscopy (Germany)

Post : Phd Scholar

Project Title : Protein Structure Determination using NMR Spectroscopy

Salary : 1345 Euros per month

Funding : Ministry of Innovation, Science, Research and Technology of the German Federal State North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

Research Center : NRW Research School BioStruct – Biological Structures in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany

Workplace: Forschungszentrum Jülich

Project Details:

The project involves liquid NMR spectroscopy to solve the 3D structures of newly characterised cyclic nucleotide-binding domains of sperm cells in apo and holo states.

Qualification:

1.) Master degree in biophysics, biochemistry, biology, physics

2.) Basic Knowledge and /or experience in NMR Spectroscopy, protein biochemistry, biophysical characterization of proteins, structural biology.

How to apply :

1.) Project Details
2.) Application Details

Contact Details :
Prof. Dr. Dieter Willbold
Institute of Physical Biology
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Universitätsstr. 1
40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
Ph: +49(0)211-81-11390
Fax: +49(0)211-81-15167
dieter.willbold@uni-duesseldorf.de

Phd Studentship in Nuclear medicine - TUM, Germany

PROJECT TITLE : "Reducing Motion and Attenuation Artefacts in Hybrid MR-PET Imaging

Position : Phd Research Fellow
Research Area : MR-PET
Duration : Three years
Department :  Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich - Germany
Deadline : 25 th July, 2010
Funding : Graduate School of Information Technology in Health,Technical University Munich - Germany .

Project Profile :

1.) Evaluation of the performance of a new MR-PET instrumentation hardware 
2.) Establishment of  new methods for MR-PET in order to reduce motion and attenuation artefacts. 
3.) Adapt existing coil concepts specifically to combined MR-PET systems or even develop novel concepts as well as examine novel materials suitable for this purpose

Requirements from applicants :

1.) Theoretical and experimental experience in PET and/or MR Imaging & instrumentation expected
2.) Good Programming and data analysis skills
3.) Good communication skills and fluent written & spoken english.

Eligibility :

Master degree in physics, engineering, computer science, or any equivalent degree. 

How to apply :

Attach the following documents  in one pdf file and mail to gsish@tum.de :

1.) Letter of motivation, indicating the project title, qualifications 
2.) Curriculum vitae with list of publications and contact & names of 2 referees
3.)  Copies of certificates and grade sheets

PhD student position in Life Sciences (Germany)

‘Beutenberg-Stipendien’ is a PhD fellowship program within the Graduate School of Excellence ‘Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)’, funded by the federal initiative “ProExzellenz” of the Free State of Thuringia. Research projects within this program are situated at interfaces between life sciences and physics. The PhD projects with duration of 3 years will be situated at two collaborating research institutions in Jena with two or more mentors (one in the field of physics/technology and the other in the field of life sciences).

General Requirements

Applicants must have – or be about to – obtain a Master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., the German ‘Diplom’) in Natural Sciences or a related field. Students holding a bachelor’s degree from a research-oriented institution can also be admitted to the program if they have shown outstanding performance (e.g. a refereed first author publication).

Gernerally, students with a degree in biology, chemistry, physics, medical sciences, bioinformatics, and earth sciences are welcome to apply. Please check whether your research experiences match with the vacant projects offered within our current Recruitment Call. We expect a strong interest in the JSMC research program centered on the overarching topic “Microbial Communication”. In addition, enthusiasm to engage in cross-disciplinary projects.

Candidates should demonstrate adequate competence in the English language. Both German as well as international students are welcome to apply. Instruction language at JSMC is English.

Recruitment Procedure

The application procedure is handled online .

The JSMC Recruitment is a four-level procedure:

Level 1: Statement of Interest 

Please acquaint yourself with the PhD projects offered within the current JSMC Recruitment Call. Download, complete, and submit the “Statement of Interest” form. Please note that applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” before the deadline.

Please be prepared to submit your full application within one week following the deadline for submission of the “Statement of Interest”. You may get informed on short notice. However, please DO NOT submit any documents in addition to the completed “Statement of Interest” form BEFORE you are invited to do so.

Level 2: Full Application

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application (including CV, college/university credentials, list of publications/theses, passport photo, letters of reference).


Level 3: Telephone Interviews

Candidates with adequate qualifications may be asked to participate in a telephone interview for further evaluation.

Level 4: JSMC Recruitment Meeting

Based on the outcome of the previous selection measures, selected candidates will be invited to attend a JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by JSMC. Successful candidates will be able to start with their JSMC PhD Fellowship shortly after the Recruitment meeting (later starting dates can also be arranged).

The JSMC Recruitment Meetings are meant as an opportunity for both sides – candidates and JSMC members – to get to know each other. Therefore, they include various events:
Candidate lectures (the candidates present their research experience in 10+5 min talks)
One-to-one interviews with the project supervisors
Institute visits (to get to know the facilities as well as the prospective colleagues)
Get-together with the current PhD Fellows of JSMC
Conjoint dinner with the project supervisors (to discuss future plans in a relaxed atmosphere)
Guided city tour thorugh Jena

We expect:
a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Medical Sciences, etc.). Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply
high motivation and interest to join one of the interdisciplinary research areas of JSMC
creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
an integrative and cooperative personality
very good communication skills in English (instruction language at JSMC)


We offer:
top-level research projects at the interface between life sciences and physics/technology
a highly communicative atmosphere within a scientific network providing top-level research conditions
a PhD stipend paid for 3 years according to the rules of the DFG (German Research Foundation)
a comprehensive mentoring program with efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
courses in novel technologies and soft skills
Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer.

The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the JSMC website:
www.jsmc.uni-jena.de

To apply, please acquaint yourself with the vacant PhD projects and the application process described on this website. Applications can only be considered upon timely receipt of the completed ‘Statement of Interest’ form submitted by email to apply-jsmc@uni-jena.de

Application deadline: Nov 29, 2009.

Selected applicants will be invited to a JSMC Recruitment Meeting in Jena, Germany, on Dec 14-16, 2009. Awarding decisions will be made shortly thereafter, allowing for an immediate start of the PhD projects.

Click here to view the advertisement.

Click here to see descriptions of the vacant project offered within the current recruitment call.

Click here to apply for a PhD fellowship at JSMC.

PhD studentships in Molecular Medicine (Germany)

The International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm funded by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments in cooperation with his partner institutions in Finland, Italy and the USA kindly invites applications from highly qualified and motivated individuals for

8 PhD studentships 

to commence in April 2010. The successful candidates will perform their PhD projects partly in Ulm and partly in the partner institutions.

The International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm is a central institution of Ulm University providing high quality training for doctoral students in a structured, three year’s programme. The scientific basis for the International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm are externally funded research networks with proven excellence.

Successful candidates are expected to work in one of the following research projects:

C3-fusion proteins as macrophage/monocyte-selective transporters
H. Barth (Ulm) and C. Montecucco (Padua)

Apoptosis checkpoints in glioblastoma stem cells
S. Fulda (Ulm) and S. Hammond (Chapel Hill)

Protein-protein interaction networks: target prediction and validation
H. Kestler (Ulm) and M. Comin (Padua)

Pharmacogenomics of EGFR inhibitor skin toxicity
J. Kirchheiner (Ulm) and H. McLeod (Chapel Hill)

Vector targeting to liver
S. Kochanek (Ulm) and P. Ng (Houston)

Role of amyloids in HIV and SIV neuropathogenesis
J. Münch (Ulm) and R. Swanstrom (Chapel Hill)

TLR signals in the colonic lamina
J. H. Niess (Ulm) and H. C. Reinecker (Harvard)

RRM2B (p53R2) in stem cells
K. L. Rudolph (Ulm), R. Soininen (Oulu) and D. A. Ramsden (Chapel Hill)

PhD students will receive a tax-free fellowship of 1200 € per month for 3 years. Travel expenses between Ulm and the partner institutions will be covered by the Graduate School.

Physically disabled applicants receive favourable consideration when equally qualified.

The deadline for application is December 11, 2009.

Click here to apply.

Short listed candidates will be invited for an oral presentation and interviews to Ulm in February 2010.

Applications including the application form must be sent to

International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm
c/o Larissa Dickhaut
Meyerhofstraße
N 27 / 2.011
89081 Ulm
Germany

PhD - Cellular Neurology

The Department of Cellular Neurology at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research in Tübingen, Germany, is seeking a motivated PhD Student with an interest in studying transgenic mouse models of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

The position involves collaboration with other lab members in the investigation of the molecular pathogenesis of cerebral amyloidosis and related neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Previous experience in the field and fluent English would be considered an asset.

Applications should be sent by e-mail to Mathias Jucker (mathias.jucker@uni-tuebingen.de)

PhD Student Position - Functional Neurogenetics at Tubingen

The Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen (Germany) offers now or later 2009 a full time PhD Student Position.

The project is to study the mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction caused by pathological phosphorylation (with emphasis on the recently discovered polo-like kinases) and aggregation of the Parkinson's disease protein α-synuclein and explore immune therapeutic approaches. Transgenic mice and cell cultures are the primary model systems for this project. Methods include behavioral assays, experimental neuropathology, and a wide range of molecular, cellular and biochemical methods, as well as advanced imaging techniques.

They are looking for a highly motivated, team-oriented enthusiastic individual with a strong background in neuroscience animal research and molecular cell biology. Successful applicants will be enrolled in an Initial Training Network of the European Union 7th Framework Program and the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen. Non-German residents, preferentially European citizens are eligible.

Interested individuals with a diploma/masters degree in life sciences (e.g. neuroscience, biology) are invited to send applications to:

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kahle
Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics
Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research
Otfried Müller Str. 27
72076 Tübingen, Germany
E-Mail: philipp.kahle@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/nd/research/funct-neurogenet/
www.neuroschool-tuebingen.de

International PhD Program in University of Tübingen

The International PhD program of the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Developmental Biology and the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory (FML) offers outstanding training in a broad spectrum of cutting-edge scientific research. The program provides students an interdisciplinary practical and theoretical training during their PhD research, particularly through common introductory courses, symposia and research seminars.

They offer PhD positions in following research areas:

Molecular & Cell Biology
Quantitative Genetics
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Ecological Genomics Developmental Genetics
Evolutionary Biology
Plant Development
Animal Development
Structural Biology

Click here to see the entry requirements
Click here for participating groups
Click here to apply.

RUB-Grants 2009 of Ruhr-University (Germany)

Scope of the programme

Promotion of early stage researchers by awarding grants to highly qualified doctoral candidates realising an ambitious and innovative research project in one of the research areas of Ruhr-University Bochum. We also encourage all doctoral candidates to apply with an interdisciplinary research project. The application is open for candidates from every scientific discipline and nationality intending to realise their research project at the Ruhr-University Bochum (you have to submit your doctoral thesis at Ruhr-Universität Bochum).

The application must be completed by the confirmation of a first supervisor at RUB – please build up contacts to one of the scientists at RUB and ask for supervision. We would like to encourage you to take your time for your orientation within the research area you are interested in and which might be subject of your Ph.D. You know best about your scientific main focus and in which special research field you want to obtain your doctorate. Please act independently and identify at an early stage a potential supervisor by your own

The earliest start of funding will be March 1, 2010.

Target Group

Graduates of all disciplines with a university degree qualifying for doctoral studies.

Requirements

1.)The university expects your research project to give an important contribution to the corresponding research field (please outline this in a research exposé of 5 pages)

2.)clearly above average university degree

3.)uninterrupted studies (in case your total study took more than 13 semester/ 6,5 years please give an explanation)

4.)as a rule the university degree qualifying for doctoral studies has to be obtained not longer than 12 months ago with reference to the application deadline for the grants - we concede reasonable exceptions (please give an explanation)

5.)the university degree qualifying for doctoral studies has to be submitted at the latest until November 13, 2009 before the application will be given to the faculties for further survey and expertise (Bachelor degree in case of fast track procedure plus information about grades already obtained in the master studies)

6.)candidates who have to fulfil additional requirements are also allowed to apply for a grant (first supervisor is responsible for compatibility between fulfilment of requirements and successful doctorate)

7.)candidates with a Bachelor degree involved in the fast track procedure are also allowed to apply for a grant; the official admission to doctoral studies from the faculty has to be submitted before the funding will start

8.)if you are already admitted to doctoral studies at Ruhr-University Bochum please enclose the official admission statement of the faculty to your application

9.)if you are not admitted to doctoral studies at Ruhr-University Bochum we need a statement of the faculty that you will be admitted to doctoral studies in case of funding (at the faculty you will realise your research project) if you are invited to the second stage of the admission process

Application

The application form “Grant-Programme” of the Research School has to be used for application. The application form and the corresponding notes for guidance will help you through the application process.

Admission process and decision

1.)a hardcopy of the application form with 2 letters of reference and all necessary documents have to be sent to the Central Coordination Office until October 31, 2009

2.)on the basis of the application the faculties and rapporteurs will generate a preliminary ranking of the candidates

3.)on the basis of this preliminary ranking the Executive Board will invite the best candidates (end of January 2010) for a research colloquium

4.)research colloquium and the ensuing choice and recommendation by the rapporteurs will take place on February 8, 2010

5.)the final decision of the Executive Board will be made on Feburary 10, 2010

Type of funding and amount

The grant amounts to 1.000,- Euro per month, children`s allowance amounts to 100,- Euro per month in addition.

Period of funding and of approval

Max. 36 months of funding are provided, whereas the period of first approval comprises 12 months. We offer 2 times for prolongation – each comprising 12 months - after having reviewed your progress report.

Interruption

In case of illness the grant will be paid for further 6 weeks. In case of pregnancy the grant payment will be intermitted for a time period of 14 weeks (6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth). The approval may be extended for this period of time respectively.

Secondary employment

During the funding period a short-time work of max. 6 hours per week is allowed

Duties of the grantee

1.)participation in the structured doctoral training programme of the Research School, follow the Individual Training and Supervision Plan of the Research School, take actively part in the Research School

2.)communicate immediately all important changes of the personal conditions as well as interruptions, changes or abandonment of the research project

3.)adequate use of the grant

Download

1.) Application Form of Research School Grant Programme

2.) Reference Letter

PhD position in ULM university, Germany

TITLE
Plasmin-Induced Activation of Human Endothelial Cells – Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Functional Significance

INSTITUTION:
Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.

Several research groups are working on topics in pharmakogenomics, tumor immunology, and natural products pharmacology as well as molecular aspects of protease-mediated proinflammatory signaling.

For further information see: http://www.uni-ulm.de/klinik/nhk/

POSITION:
PhD student position in a research project sponsored by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) for 3 years. Salary according to the German scheme for state employees, i.e. 50 % of a PhD salary.

The interaction of the serine protease plasmin with endothelial cells as well as in cocultivation with monocytes and macrophages will be analyzed at the cellular and molecular level.

GOALS:
i) Identify the receptor for the serine protease plasmin on human endothelial cells, ii) characterize the plasmin-induced signaling pathways in endothelial cells, iii) investigate the functional consequences of the plasmin-mediated cell activation in terms of inflammatory responses.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Isolation and cultivation of primary human endothelial cells and endothelial cell lines as well as primary cells from human blood. Identification of 'target’ proteins proteolytic signaling by means of biochemical, chemical and physicochemical methods. Analysis of molecule-molecule interactions with 'surface plasmon resonance’. Characterization of proinflammatory functions, e.g. gene induction, cytokine release and chemotaxis, and proinflammatory signaling, e.g. kinases and transcription factors.

REQUIREMENTS:
Diploma or Master degree in Biochemistry, Biology or related areas. We expect a high level of motivation and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. Skills in cell or molecular biology are an advantage, but no precondition.
The University intends to increase the percentage of female scientists. Therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualifications disabled persons will be preferred.

APPLICATION:
Please call for informal enquiry (+49 (0)731-500-65600) or send your full application including CV and copies of your certificates preferably by e-mail.

Contact address :
Prof. Dr. Thomas Simmet
Ulm University
Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology
Helmholtzstraße 20
D-89081 Ulm
Germany
E-mail: thomas.simmet@uni-ulm.de
Website: http://www.uni-ulm.de/klinik/nhk/

PhD scholarships in Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration at Germany

The German Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Tübingen and the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience at the University of Tübingen, Germany, invite applications for 8 PhD Scholarships in Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration.

Highly qualified graduate students are invited to apply for this 2-years scholarship that can be extended to a third year. The scholarships are funded by the German Helmholtz Research Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The research topics of the PhD projects must therefore be in line with the Center’s mission to investigate the causes and consequences of neurodegenerative diseases of the aging human brain, in particular Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and to explore why aging is a risk factor for neurodegeneration. The research findings should eventually translate into novel diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies.

The applicants are requested to apply to the Graduate Training Center for one or two of the proposed research projects, which are listed below. Independet research proposals by the applicants are also highly welcome. Please write a letter (max. 1 page for each project) stating why you have chosen this particular project and what qualifies you for the project. Furthermore, applications should include a completed application form, a CV, transcript, degree certificate, and at least one recommendation letter, preferably from a former supervisor. Please ask your supervisor to send the letter of recommendation directly to tlampe@neuroschool.uni-tuebingen.de.

Application deadline is February 05, 2010. Applications should be sent electronically as a single pdf-file to tlampe@neuroschool.uni-tuebingen.de. In case you have further questions, please contact Dr. Tina Lampe. Incomplete applications will not be further processed. The invitations for the interviews will probably be annonced at the beginning of March and we are planning to have the interviews in the week from the 22nd -26th of March, 2010.

In the following, you will find doctoral projects that were proposed by Faculty Members of the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience. The respective faculty members will also act as supervisors of the project.

PROPOSED PHD PROJECTS

Alzheimer / Amyloidosis / Memory
1. Mechanisms of cerebral amyloidosis (Jucker)
Contact: Mathias Jucker
mathias.jucker@uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/zellbiologie/

2. Multiphoton microscopy to image Alzheimer lesions in transgenic mice (Jucker)
Contact: Mathias Jucker
mathias.jucker@uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/zellbiologie/

3. Central nervous system homeostasis and pathologies in the absence of microglia (Varvel)
Contact: Nicholas Varvel
nicholas.varvel@googlemail.com
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/zellbiologie/

4. Model systems to analyze spreading of amyloid lesions between cells (Baumann)
Contact: Frank Baumann
f.baumann@medizin.uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/zellbiologie

5. NO-cGMP signaling and Alzheimer`s disease (Feil)
Contact: Robert Feil
robert.feil@uni-tuebingen.de
www.ifib.uni-tuebingen.de (see under “Research/Feil group”)


6. Cell-specific modulation and visualization of neuronal signaling in the aging brain (Feil)
Contact: Robert Feil
robert.feil@uni-tuebingen.de
www.ifib.uni-tuebingen.de (see under “Research/Feil group”)

7. Neuronal hyperactivity in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (Garaschuk)
Contact: Olga Garaschuk
olga.garaschuk@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.physiologie.uni-tuebingen.de/dep2/home

8. Functional properties of activated microglia in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (Garaschuk)
Contact: Olga Garaschuk
olga.garaschuk@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.physiologie.uni-tuebingen.de/dep2/home

9. Functional characterisation of hippocampal granule cells after modulation of Neurofascin-expression (Guenther)
Contact: Elke Guenther
guenther@nmi.de
www.nmi.de

10. Modeling age-dependent proteotoxicity in adult Drosophila (Rasse)
11. Synaptic Plasticity in functionally impaired synaptic circuits (Rasse)
Contact: Tobias Rasse
tobias.rasse@uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/synaptic-plasticity/

Parkinson / Ataxia / Motor Neuron Diseases
12. Genetic risk factors for sporadic Parkinson’s disease (Gasser)
Contact: Thomas Gasser
Thomas.gasser@uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/nd/

13. “Exome Sequencing” to identify new Parkinson’s disease causing genes (Biskup)
Contact: Saskia Biskup
saskia.biskup@medizin.uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/nd/

14. Common pathomechanisms leading to neurodegeneration (Riess)
15. The role of parkin in NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity (Riess)
Contact: Olaf Riess
Olaf.riess@med.uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/Klinische_Genetik/

16. Analyzing the intracellular localization of ataxin-3 (Schmidt)
Contact: Thorsten Schmidt
thorsten.schmidt@med.uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/Klinische_Genetik/en/sca3.html

17. (Patho)physiological Mechanisms of the Frontotemporal Dementia / Motoneuron Disease Associated FUS (Kahle)
Contact: Philipp Kahle
Philipp.Kahle@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/abteilungen/nd/research/funct-neurogenet/

18. Regulation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 activity and cellular signalling (Kahle)
Contact: Philipp Kahle
Philipp.Kahle@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/abteilungen/nd/research/funct-neurogenet/

19. The role of mitochondrial dynamics in neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (Krüger)
Contact: Rejko Krüger
rejko.krueger@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/gen/

20. The role of gap junction function in motor learning (Thier)
Contact: Peter Thier
thier@uni-tuebingen.de
www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/departments/kn/

Axonal Regeneration
21. Viral overexpression of a p53 acetyl mimic to promote axonal regeneration following spinal injury (Di Giovanni)
Contact: Simone Di Giovanni
simone.digiovanni@medizin.uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/en/neuroregeneration_re/

Visual System / Retina
22. Retinal insulin signaling and degeneration (Schaeffel)
Contact: Frank Schaeffel
frank.schaeffel@uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.uak.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/frank/

23. Cell death mechanisms in Retinitis Pigmentosa (Paquet-Durand)
Contact: François Paquet-Durand
francois.paquet-durand@klinikum.uni-tuebingen.de
http://www.uak.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/?q=francois-paquet-durand

24. Identification of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in retinal expressed (disease) genes (Wissinger)
25. Genetic risk factors in glaucoma (Wissinger)
Contact: Bernd Wissinger
wissinger@uni-tuebingen.de
www.mgl-eye-tuebingen.de

Click here to download the application form.

GSLS Fellowships- The Graduate School of Life Sicences (University of Würzburg, Germany)

The GSLS has available fellowships funded by the the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments. The application for up to 18 positions starting in Spring 2010 is now open.

Deadline: November 16, 2009

offer

i.)an international (working language English) and widely visible research environment
ii.)a taxfree personal fellowship of 1300 Euros/month for three years
your own research grant covering research expenses of your PhD project
travel money to attend conferences
iii.)the freedom to chose lab, project and mentors provided mutual agreement in one of the sections of the GSLS
iv.)continuous supervision and mentoring by a thesis committee of three principal investigators
v.)a strong network of peers

Requirements

i.)passion for research and practical experience therein
ii.)a clear understanding of what you want to work on
iii.)an excellent university degree obtained within the last two years, usually a M.Sc. or German Diploma; if graduation is expected by March 2010 you are welcome to apply; exceptional candidates holding an Honours B.Sc. may join after a qualification period
iv.)proven excellent oral and written English proficiency (will also be assessed during interview) and willingness to learn basic German (training provided)
v.)eagerness to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
advanced scientific and transferable skills training

Application process

Before you apply, please inform yourself about the research performed in the scientific sections of the GSLS and in the labs of the GSLS members. They expect you to make an informed statement in your application form as to which research fields of the GSLS interest you most and which labs you could envisage to work at!

List of Research institutions

Online Application form

Selected applicants from Europe (or travelling in Europe at that time) will then be invited for an interview in Würzburg in January 2010 (travel subsidies available). International applicants from outside Europe will be interviewed by Video-Conferencing.

PhD in NeuroTechnology at BFNT, Freiburg-Germany

ABOUT BFNT
The German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) now funds with 10 million Euros a new research center: the “Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology” (BFNT-Freiburg/Tuebingen, briefly BFNT-FT) with the title “Hybrid Brain”. The center is an initiative of 32 scientists of the universities of Freiburg and Tuebingen, Germany, their neurological and neurosurgical university clinics, the Max-Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics Tuebingen, the Natural and Medical Sciences Institute Reutlingen (NMI). In addition, several industrial partners contribute to the BFNT-FT, namely Multi Channel Systems, Inomed and the Honda Research Institute. The BFNT-FT thus ties together numerous new and established projects to form the biggest cluster for neurotechnological research in at least Germany. Their aim is fundamental neurotechnological research, the development of new techniques based on these and the clinical development of neurotechnological devices. These are intended primarily to establish movement and communication capabilities in patients. These new tools could one day assist the therapy of severely paralyzed patients, e.g. suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but also those with intractable epilepsy or drug-resistant migraine. The center will be funded for 5 years starting September 2008. Within the BFNT-Freiburg/Tuebingen, two new tenure track professorships and 30 positions for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows will be established.

With the "Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience" (BCCN Freiburg) and two Bernstein Partner Projects (in collaboration with scientists at the Univ. Tuebingen and Rostock), Freiburg will host four projects linked in the German „National Network for Computational Neuroscience“.

Three additional BFNTs will be established at the Universities of Berlin, Goettingen and Frankfurt.


Vacant Phd Project
B5 - NetCAD: An environment for 3D structural modeling of biological neuronal networks

State of the art, work:
Current neuroanatomy aims to unravel the wiring principles underlying the synaptic circuits of neuronal networks in the brain, and to elucidate their function. Complex networks are encountered, for example, in the neocortex with both laminar (horizontal) and columnar (vertical) structure, featuring multiple neuron and synapse types in combination with type-specific synaptic couplings. Numerical simulations of the network activity dynamics and the statistical characterization of network structure are key techniques to explore the biological function of such networks, the activity dynamics supported by them, and the impact of certain structural features.

Objectives:
The goal of this project is to develop a software toolbox (NetCAD) for design and archiving of biology-oriented neuronal network models. It will greatly enhance our possibilities in exploring large-scale networks with a rich structure. An important feature is its inter-operability with other tools, specialized in statistical analysis or in dynamic simulation of such networks. Specifically, the new tool will support filing, documentation and exchange of large networks for subsequent visualization and structural analysis (e.g. using Python, Matlab® or Mathematica®), as well as for numerical simulations (e.g. using NEST or Neuron).

The new toolbox NetCAD will be platform-independent and open source, freely available to the wide neuroscientific and neurotechnological research community.

Job offer:

BCCN offers a PhD-Position for candidates holding a second degree (MSc, Diploma, or equivalent) in physics, computer science or biology, with experience in software-development and user-oriented application programming. Specific knowledge and scientific publications in the fields of “statistical analysis of neuronal data” and “numerical methods and data structures in neuroscience” are required. Some background in the anatomy of neuronal networks is helpful, but not required. A strong interest in interdisciplinary modelling work is expected.

To apply, please fill in the online application form. Applicants should specify in which project they would like to work. You will also to be asked to specify 2 referees who can write a letter of recommendation for you. For that purpose, download the reference report form which you should send to your referees. After filling in this form, the referees should send it electronically to our office (phd.program@bccn.uni-freiburg.de). In addition, BCCN will need electronic copies of your certificates and transcripts of the degrees you obtained. After review, selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

International PhD program in life sciences - Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences

The International Max Planck Research School for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (IMPRS-LS) offers an international PhD program in life sciences covering areas of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular medicine, neurobiology and structural biology. The 3 to 4 year program, entirely taught in English, provides comprehensive scientific training in a superb and vibrant research environment with state of the art facilities and cutting edge research projects. The interdisciplinary setting of the program exposes students to a wide variety of different topics and technologies thereby promoting the ability of cross-frontier thinking. Laboratory work will be supplemented by seminars, summer schools, elective courses, training in soft skills and participation in international conferences. 

Doctoral students usually have their doctoral degree awarded by one of the two Munich universities both of which are amongst the highest ranking universities in Germany. International doctoral students may also choose to have their doctoral degree awarded by a university of their home country. 

More than 250 doctoral students from all over the world are currently working at the Max Planck Institutes of Biochemistry and Neurobiology and, together with numerous doctoral students from university laboratories, are creating a young and dynamic international atmosphere at the institutes.

PhD Program

The program is jointly conducted by the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology and the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in cooperation with the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich and the Technical University Munich. More than 30 research groups, internationally recognized for their innovative research approaches and technologies, form the core faculty of the research school. Using state of the art approaches, these groups aim to answer essential questions relevant to basic and applied biological and biomedical research. The laboratories of the participating groups are located at various sites on the campus Martinsried/Großhadern, in downtown Munich and in Munich-Garching.

Requirements for Admission 

Applicants to the PhD program are required to hold a Master's degree (or an equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, medicine or in a related discipline. 

A one year preparatory program is now available to a limited number of outstanding applicants with a Bachelor's degree allowing a fast track path towards a doctoral degree (details will be announced soon).

It is not necessary to hold the respective degree at the point of application. However, the degree will have to be awarded before classes start in October each year.

Degrees of applicants from foreign countries will have to be approved by the admissions and registration office of the university that will award the doctoral degree (normally either Ludwig Maximilian University Munich or Technical University Munich). The coordination office will support students accepted to the PhD program in all admission procedures.

Selected candidates have to be fluent in written and spoken English and, unless native speakers, should document their proficiency in English. German language skills are not required but interested international students will be offered opportunities to take German language courses. 

Details on the evaluation and selection procedure as well as information helping you to assess or perhaps even improve your chances for acceptance to the program can be downloaded here.

Application Procedure

Application to the program is a two step online procedure: First you need to register online. After successful registration you will receive a confirmation link via email that allows you to log in and to submit your online application. Please note that registration will be activated after September 15, 2009. Deadline for application is January 15, 2010.  

Submitted applications will be checked for completeness and acceptance of complete applications will be confirmed by a separate email. 

Letters of recommendation should be mailed directly to the coordination office by the referees. Arrival of each letter of recommendation at the coordination office will be confirmed by email.

Due to the large number of incoming applications we are not able to process incomplete applications or separate documents that are forwarded to the coordination office via email. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Applications are independently reviewed by several faculty members of the Research School. Based on academic qualification, research experience, motivation, scientific background and the letters of recommendation, candidates are selected for personal interviews in Martinsried / Munich. Interviews are scheduled from March 8 to March 12, 2010. Travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the Research School. 

For details regarding online application procedures and requirements please visit the Application Guidelines. 

Online registration will be activated after September 15, 2009

CONTACT

IMPRS
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Am Klopferspitz 18
D-82152 Martinsried
Phone: +49 (0)89 8578 2281 
Fax: +49 (0)89 8578 2282 
Email: info@imprs-ls.mpg.de

Coordinator:
Dr. Hans Joerg Schaeffer 
International Max Planck Research School 
for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences
Am Klopferspitz 18
82152 Martinsried/Munich, Germany
phone: ++49 89 8578-2281
fax: ++49 89 8578-2859
email: info@imprs-ls.mpg.de

Assistant coordinator:
Maximiliane Reif 
phone: ++49 89 8578-2852
fax: ++49 89 8578-2859
email: reif@biochem.mpg.de

Speaker:
Prof. Dr. F. Ulrich Hartl
International Max Planck Research School
for Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences
Am Klopferspitz 18
82152 Martinsried/Munich, Germany

DAAD PhD SCHOLARSHIPS -2010

DAAD(Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst)
German Academic Exchange Service - PhD Scholarships Announcement 2010/2011

Objectives
To do a PhD degree at one of the German Universities or Research
Institutions

Target Group
Highly qualified post graduates from any discipline

Duration
3 years

Scholarship Value

• Stipend of Euro 1000.00 per month
• A lump sum towards air fare from India to Germany and back
• Exemption from payment of university tuition fees
• A study and research subsidy
• Compulsory health insurance covered by DAAD
• 2 months German Language Course in India - free tuition*
• 4 months German Language Course in Germany - free tuition,
boarding, lodging plus pocket allowance during the period of
the German language course in Germany (preceding stud-
ies/research)
• Spouse allowance** and additional rent subsidy***
• Financial support for field research (see appendix)

*Out station participants will also get a lump sum towards travel & lodging
**Married scholars, who wish to call their spouses to Germany after the completion of the German language course, for duration longer than 3 months, may apply for an extra family allowance. DAAD does not cover for the visa fee, air ticket, insurance and other incidental expenses of the spouse.
***Under special conditions where awardees are not able to rent accommodation within the financial limits, an additional rent subsidy can be applied for

Requirements and Conditions

• A 1st class Master’s Degree
• There should not be a gap of more than 6 years between the award of last degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil., etc.) and application deadline (1st October)
• Candidates must have a recent dated acceptance letter confirming academic supervision from a German Professor on the university’s letterhead with a clear reference to the candidate’s research proposal
or
• Candidates, who want to do a PhD under the structured doctoral study programme, must attach an admission letter from their study programme or at least a proof that they are being considered for admission.
• A detailed research proposal including a precise work schedule are the most important selection criterion besides previous academic achievements
• German language skills are not mandatory****
• In general, candidates should be residing in India at the time of application. Candidates, who have been in Germany for more than one year at the time of application, are not eligible to apply.

**** Candidates in the fields of Law and Philosophy must have a good knowledge of the German Language.

Application Documents

To be arranged in the order mentioned below
• 2 application forms with a passport-size photograph attached to each form. Please ensure that you have signed both forms before sending them to us.
• 2 typed copies of full curriculum-vitae (bio-data)
• 2 copies of the confirmation from a German professor stating that she / he is willing to guide the PhD studies (if candidate has more than one confirmed placement, preference should be indicated – 1st priority, 2nd priority, etc.)
or
• 2 copies of admission letter from their study programme or at least a proof that they are being considered for admission (if candidate has more than one study programme, preference should be indicated – 1st priority, 2nd priority, etc.)
• 2 typed copies of detailed description and precise work schedule for the topic of the proposed PhD studies developed in coordination & agreed upon with the academic supervisor,as well as information on any previous study or research project of particular relevance to decision of award
or
• 2 copies of letter of admission to the study programme or a proof that they are being considered for admission
• 2 references from senior academics from the applicant's field of study/research on the proforma available on our website.

The referee’s title and academic status should be clearly indicated in this (with official rubber-stamp). These should be Confidential (in sealed envelopes) and should be recent-dated
• 2 typed copies of list of academic publications, if any; 1 set of available reprints, if any
• 2 copies of all chronologically arranged academic certificates
and mark-sheets (all copies must be attested; attested Eng-
lish translation, if the originals are in Hindi; Attestation can be
done by a gazetted Government officer).

Application Procedure

• The application submission process is online. The link is available on DAAD website.
• The deadline for submission of applications is 1st October of each year at DAAD New Delhi Office.

Important: DAAD will not consider incomplete applications.
All short-listed candidates have to attend a personal interview.

Time Line

• Announcement : Jul/Aug 2009
• Application deadline : 1st Oct 2009
• Selection Interview : Last week of Nov 2009
• Language course for Apr-May 2010 (India);
selected scholars Jun-Sept 2010 (Germany)
• Beginning of PhD studies : 1st Oct 2010

Important Information

Kindly Note:
• Please use A4 size paper only and DO NOT staple the documents
• The first and last name filled in the application form should be identical to the name in the Passport
• Candidate must be a resident of India and an Indian national
• Private Laboratories can not be considered under this programme as a German host

Contact Person and Address

Applications and relevant documents have to be submitted at the DAAD office in New Delhi

German Academic Exchange Service
Mrs. Anuroopa Dixit
IIIrd Floor, 72 Lodi Estate, Lodi Road
New Delhi – 110 003
Tel.: +91 11 2461 5148 / 5009
Fax: +91 11 2469 0919
E-Mail: dixit@daaddelhi.org
WWW: www.daaddelhi.org

APPENDIX

Field Research outside Germany during DAAD scholarship for doctoral studies in
Germany (to be applied for at the time of application)

Financial support for field research can be granted under the following conditions:
• The field research must be an integral and indispensable part of the doctoral research project;
• The field research trip should be arranged in co-operation with and approved by the academic supervisor of the doctoral project;
• The necessity and scope of the field research should be clearly indicated in the research proposal that is submitted with the first scholarship application;
• The academic selection committee should approve the field trip.
• The maximum duration of field research outside Germany during a DAAD scholarship for doctoral studies is twelve months.
• If several field research stays are necessary during the doctoral project, the sum of these field research stays must not exceed 12 months.
• Only 3 months of approved field research trip are covered under the scholarship with all the benefits. The scholarship is resumed once the scholar returns to the host institution in Germany.
• DAAD can grant a lump sum subsidy to support the travel costs for a field research trip twice during a scholarship period and only once in a calendar year in question.