The Max Planck Research Group “Cell Growth Control in Health and Age-related Disease” headed by Dr. Constantinos Demetriades is looking for a full time Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) (job code 23-2023).

The aim of the research group “Cell Growth control in Health and age-related Disease” is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of cell growth control, nutrient sensing, and secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) and other proteins; and to identify and functionally characterize novel regulators of these processes, focusing on their putative implementation as new targets for drug development. Our work combines high-throughput omics approaches (functional genomic screens, advanced proteomic analyses, metabolomics), with state-of-the-art molecular biology, biochemistry, gene-editing, and high-resolution microscopy techniques. We make use of established human and mouse cell lines, as well as primary and patient-derived cells, to address multiple fundamental questions: How is cell growth regulated in normal cells? How does its dysregulation contribute to the development of cancer and other age-related diseases? How do cells respond to nutrient starvation? What is the role of extracellular proteins in this process? How is the secretion of bulky and other cargo proteins regulated upon stress? How are these mechanisms regulated in a spatiotemporal and tissue-specific manner?

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team of scientists in the context of a DFG-ANR collaborative project investigating the role of unconventional secretion pathways in cellular models of glioblastoma. We seek highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientists to join an enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment. The working language of the lab is English.

Qualifications

The applicant is required to hold a Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field, and have a strong track record of accomplishments, as well as strong written and oral communication skills. Prior experience in one or more of the following methodologies: cell culture, RNAi, protein (Western blotting) and RNA analysis (RT-qPCR), CRISPR-mediated gene-editing, confocal microscopy, mass-spectrometry, cell motility assays, or working with mouse models will be considered an advantage. Candidates having research experience in cell-cell interaction, cell-ECM interaction, protein secretion, or exosome biology are encouraged to apply for this position and will be viewed preferentially.

Research environment

The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (MPI-AGE) was founded in 2008 with the aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of healthy ageing. The institute is part of a broad network of research institutions in the Cologne-Bonn area dedicated to research on ageing and age-related disease, constituting a vibrant and collaborative environment for research. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and excellent core facilities, to which the successful candidate will have access, the institute provides outstanding research opportunities for its scientists. Currently we host >300 employees from >30 different nations.

Our offer

The employment contract is based on contracts for the civil service (TVöD-Bund, Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst) and will initially run until the end of 2025, with a possibility for extension
after this period. Additional benefits are available with this position:

• Extensive program of internal training events
• Company health management and "Employee and Manager Assistance Program"
  (free psychosocial counseling offered by an external institution)
• Advice on family services, kindergarten allotments
• Reduced-price and subsidized job ticket for the VRS (regional transport authority)
• Discounted lunch in our employee canteen

The Max Planck Society is committed to employ more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. We also seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and especially encourage them to apply.

Are you interested?

Then please upload your complete application documents in electronic form as a single PDF file, via our online application platform, using job code 23-2023. The position is available immediately.

Your application should contain:

1. A maximum 2-page letter with a personal statement answering the following questions:
   1. What makes you the right person for this position (skills and expertise)?
   2. What is your biggest scientific accomplishment so far?
   3. Which is the most important finding of our lab in your opinion?
2. Which do you think was the key experiment to prove this?
   1. What are your research interests and long-term career plans?
3. Your CV (including list of publications), and
4. Contact information of 3 referees.

Deadline for applications is the 31^st December 2023.

Informal inquiries (but not applications!) are welcome and should be sent to demetriades@age.mpg.de.

Applications that will be sent via email will not be taken into consideration.

Further information about the Institute and the Demetriades lab.