PhD-Student (f/m/x) in Köln

We are searching for highly motivated and qualified scientists with research experience in the field of molecular and cell biology, preferentially in the field of neurosciences, to join the laboratory “Functional Genetics of Neurodegeneration and Neurologic Disorders” under the lead of Hans Zempel, MD PhD MSc. The group is currently composed of 1 technician, 3 advanced PhD students, and 1 MD student. The group is embedded in the Institute of Human Genetics (University Hospital Cologne), with roughly 50 scientists & medical doctors, joint progress reports and journal clubs together with collaborating neuroscience groups from adjacent research institutions.

The used methods in our laboratory comprise (but are not limited to) state of the art cellular neurobiology, cell biology including work with primary neurons and iPSC-derived neurons, molecular biology and advanced genetic engineering, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy including life-imaging and superresolution microscopy.

Applicants should be enthusiastic about understanding basic disease pathomechanisms to help find treatments for currently incurable diseases. From our students we expect high intrinsic motivation to drive their project forward, achieve scientifically and medically relevant results, but also commitment to develop into a full-fledged scientist. Students are expected and will be trained to excel in cutting-edge laboratory work, but also in scientific writing for publications and grants, presentation skills, team integration, and supervision of less experienced students. Previous experience in neuroscience, molecular biology and cell biology is advantageous.

Candidates should submit a single PDF including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae including grade, description of research experience, publication & scientific output overview (if applicable), and the contact addresses of two academic referees.

• Diversified and challenging work in a highly interesting and demanding environment
• Working in a highly motivated team

Working at the University Hospital Cologne and the Medical Faculty means helping to shape the future - the future of medicine, of patients and, of course, your own future. You benefit from 59 clinics and institutes as well as numerous other departments and facilities and more than 10,000 jobs. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne and the University Hospital Cologne assume important social tasks in research, teaching and patient care. A close network with many university and non-university partners guarantees an internationally successful science and the excellent education of our students.

The Institute of Human Genetics Cologne – Research Group Functional Genetics of Neurodegeneration and Neurologic Disorders – invites applications for a PhD Student (f/m/d) positiont to start as early as possible, latest April 1st 2021, to conduct research on Neurodegeneration, dementia & rare genetic neurologic diseases.

In particular for the project TAU/TTLL/SPASTIN-mediated loss of microtubules in Alzheimer Disease, related tauopathies and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia & development of therapeutic strategies. See also for a complete list of current projects.