Doctoral Researcher Position (Ph.D.)

Location: Munich, Germany

We offer 1 doctoral researcher positions within the Research Training Group “Targets in Toxicology - Deciphering therapeutic targets in lung toxicology” (GRK2338), starting September 1st, 2021. The structured Ph.D. program (Ph.D. in Medical Research) will combine highly interdisciplinary and competitive research projects with specialized training in lung pathophysiology and the whole discipline of toxicology by an internationally renowned faculty.

We offer:

• a salary for each position at 65% of a full position on TV-L 13, based on a fixed-term contract until August 31st 2024, starting date: September 1st 2021

• cutting edge research projects at the interface of basic and clinical science

• international networking and exchange opportunities

• excellent scientific environment and state-of-the-art research infrastructure

• tailor-made teaching curricula including training in scientific and analytical as well as transferable skills

• close mentorship

Doctoral Students will be employed by one of the following four Employers: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, or Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

All members and participating institutions of the Research Training Group GRK2338 promote equal opportunities for men and women and we are truly committed to improve the compatibility of work and family life. Furthermore, all participating institutions support the employment of disabled persons. Persons with disabilities will, with appropriate qualifications and aptitudes, be employed preferentially.

The following documents should be submitted:

• Curriculum Vitae including publication list (if applicable)

• Letter of Motivation (in English)

• Last School Certificate

• Documentation for qualifying Academic Degrees (PDFs of transcripts, degree certificates)

• Abstract of Master thesis or doctoral thesis (if applicable)

• Other qualification certificates e.g. TOEFL (if applicable)

• Names, affiliations, and email addresses of two referees

Additional Information:

Topic: “Analysis of ligand binding at human and insect nAChRs”

nAChR-mediated effects, such as impairment of neuromuscular junctions and respiratory failure constitute a therapeutic gap in the treatment of organophosphate poisoning with nerve agents and pesticides.
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that inhibit desensitization of human nAChR represent a promising therapeutic approach.
In addition, insect nAChRs constitute important targets for the development of safer and bee-friendly pesticides but their assemblies, structures and functions are currently little understood.
In the proposed project we will use a combination of electrophysiology, mutagenesis, and computer simulations to 1) develop models of insect nAChRs and 2) determine the binding sites and molecular mode of action of selected modulatory substances at human and insect nAChR subtypes and thus provide a basis for the development of improved pesticides and compounds for the treatment of organophosphate poisoning.

Personal Investigator: Prof. Dr. phil. Nat. Annette Nicke

For more information about the Research Training Group GRK 2338, please visit the following website: www.grk2338.med.uni-muenchen.de 

The Application Deadline is May 25th, 2021.
Please send your application to grk2338@med.uni-muenchen.de