a PhD student (m / f / d) in Ulm

The Molecular Cardiology lab (PI : Prof. Dr. Steffen Just; www.justlab.de) in the Department of Internal Medicine II (Medical Director : Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Rottbauer), is currently looking for

a PhD student (m / f / d)

Das Universitätsklinikum Ulm steht mit seinen Mitarbeitenden für eine moderne Patientenversorgung mit hoher Qualität, Spitzenforschung und eine auf die Zukunft ausgerichtete medizinische Lehre sowie Ausbildung in attraktiven Berufsfeldern. Voraussetzungen dafür sind qualifizierte und engagierte Mitarbeitende.

to study the molecular and epigenetic role of SMYD1 in sarcomeric renewal and regeneration in zebrafish and mammalian cardiomyocytes.

Due to our recent findings on the important role of methyltransferase SMYD1 on the methylation of sarcomeric Myosin, its assembly and homeostasis during cardiac development (Diofano et al., 2024), we will now focus this research project on the impact of SMYD1 on (1) Myosin methylation, cardiomyocyte de-dedifferentiation, sarcomeric breakdown, and functional cardiomyocyte re-differentiation during the regeneration of the adult zebrafish heart. Secondly, we will aim to (2) translate our recent zebrafish SMYD1 findings into the mammalian / human system by investigating the role SMYD1 on MYOSIN methylation, sarcomeric assembly and cardiomyocyte function in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. The long-term goal of this project is to foster regenerative strategies as therapeutic options for acute or chronic myocardial injury.

The position offers the opportunity to work on a dynamic and innovative project employing cutting-edge technologies. These include in vitro studies (iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) and in vivo (zebrafish) functional genomics. Advanced methods such as CRISPR / Cas9 gene editing, transgenesis, molecular biology, biochemistry, and high-resolution microscopy will be key components of the research. Additionally, omics-based approaches, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and interactomics, will be used to generate comprehensive datasets. This research will focus on analyzing mutant zebrafish and human cardiomyocyte cell lines to explore molecular pathways involved in cardiac development, regeneration, and aging.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative, international research environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities. The role provides exceptional training opportunities, not only in technical and experimental methodologies but also in scientific communication and career development.

We expect :

• a Master degree in biology, biochemistry or molecular medicine
• a highly motivated, enthusiastic and efficient researcher
• experience in molecular and cellular biology
• excellent communication skills in spoken and written English
• capability of working in a team as well as independently

We offer :

Vertragsart : limited

Beschäftigungsart : part-time

Bewerbung bis : 31.01.2025

Are you interested? To apply, please send your application to :

E-Mail : [email protected]

For more information on the advertised position, please contact :

Universitätsklinikum Ulm

Klinik für Innere Medizin II - Molekulare Kardiologie

Mirjam Glöckler

Sekretariat Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Steffen Just

Albert-Einstein-Allee 23

D-89081 Ulm

Die Einstellung erfolgt über die Verwaltung des Klinikums im Auftrag des Landes Baden-Württemberg. Personen mit Schwerbehinderung werden bei gleicher Eignung vorrangig eingestellt. Das Universitätsklinikum Ulm strebt die Erhöhung des Frauenanteils in den Bereichen an, in denen Sie unterrepräsentiert sind. Entsprechend qualifizierte Frauen werden um ihre Bewerbung gebeten. Vollzeitstellen sind grundsätzlich teilbar. Eine an die Befristung anschließende Weiterbeschäftigung ist möglich.