The Allen Frontiers Group funds a postdoctoral position in the Clausen Group, studying the impact of disease mutations on protein lifespan. Using a novel type of fluorescent reporter, we can monitor the fate of pathologic proteins in organismal context, focusing on myosin and its life in muscle cells. We are looking for a postdoc to join our C. elegans subgroup, studying proteostasis factors that counteract age-related myopathies. The position comes with uncharted degradation pathways, intricate molecular machines, and beautiful Vienna.
Project Overview:
Using C. elegans as model organism, we want to explore the impact of patient-derived myosin mutations at the cellular and organismal level. The project is supported by a huge body of unpublished data and can be started immediately. Key objectives include …
- Performing genome-wide screens to obtain a complete map of proteostasis factors that counteract protein aggregation in muscle cells.
- Comparative analysis of proteostasis networks in young and old animals.
- Mechanistic studies of ubiquitination factors and autophagy proteins critical for muscle protein homeostasis.
- Using patient-derived mutations to study how myosin misfolding contributes to muscle dysfunction and premature aging.
About the Group and the position:
Our team is interested in the molecular mechanisms of protein quality control and the pathology of protein disorders. We apply an integrative structural biology approach, combining cell biology, biochemistry, proteomics, chemical biology with cryoEM analyses and AI based structure predictions. Having engineered fluorescent proteins to study myosin (mis)folding and degradation in cells, we now want to apply these tools in C. elegans and monitor proteostasis live in aging animals. To this end, we are looking for an ambitious postdoc who is experienced in working with C. elegans and in conducting functional and genetic experiments. The position offers great opportunities to learn key technologies in mechanistic cell biology, including cryoEM/ET, quantitative proteomics, use of activity-based probes and in vitro reconstitution of complex molecular machines.
Located at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), a top-class research institute in one of the world’s best cities, our lab has access to cutting-edge service facilities at the Vienna Biocenter and benefits from its excellent research community, including the vibrant “Ubiquitin and Friends” community.
Qualifications for the position:
We are looking for a curious, ambitious, and enthusiastic Postdoctoral candidate with …
- Documented track record in C. elegans genetics and molecular biology.
- Expertise in at least one of the following topics: proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, chemical biology, structural biology.
- Interest in studying proteostasis mechanisms and pathology of protein disorders.
- Being a good teamplayer.
Benefits
- Freedom to explore high-risk concepts, within a 3 year fully funded position.
- Access to cutting-edge service facilities at the IMP and Vienna Biocenter.
- Open, interactive and stimulating research environment.
- Scientific integrity and leadership training, as well as career development support.
- Child-care facilities are available on campus.
How to apply
The position is available from December 2024 and remains open until it is filled. Please send applications and supporting materials (letter of motivation, CV including description of research experience and interests, and contact information for at least 2 referees) to:
Dr Tim Clausen
tim.clausen[at]imp.ac.at
https://www.imp.ac.at/groups/tim-clausen
Links
IMP - https://www.imp.ac.at/
Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities - https://www.viennabiocenter.org/vbcf/
Ubiquitin & Friends - https://www.protein-degradation.org/
Allen Frontiers Group - https://alleninstitute.org/division/frontiers-group/