Functional Neurogenetics: PhD Student Positions

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

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.

We 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 7^th 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(at)uni-tuebingen.de.
http://www.hih-tuebingen.de/nd/research/funct-neurogenet/
www.neuroschool-tuebingen.de

Key References:

Kahle et al. (2000) Subcellular localization of wild-type and Parkinson's disease-associated mutant α-synuclein in human and transgenic mouse brain. J. Neurosci. 20, 6365-6373

Neumann et al. (2002) Misfolded proteinase K-resistant and hyperphosphorylated α-synuclein in aged transgenic mice and in Lewy body disease patients. J. Clin. Invest. 110, 1429-1439

Freichel et al. (2007) Age-dependent cognitive decline and amygdala pathology in α-synuclein transgenic mice. Neurobiol. Aging 28, 1421-1435

Kahle (2008) α-Synucleinopathy models and human neuropathology: similarities and differences. Acta Neuropathol. 115, 87-95

Schell et al. (2009) Nuclear and neuritic distribution of serine-129 phosphorylated α-synuclein in transgenic mice. Neuroscience, in press