Two Open Positions: Ph.D. (f/m/d)

Project Title: EXPLORING NON-CANONICAL FUNCTIONS OF AUTOPHAGY

01.02.2023

The Behrends Lab at the Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München is looking for two doctoral researchers who are interested in the exciting field of non-canonical autophagy. Briefly, ATG8 family proteins are critical players in autophagy, a conserved degradation pathway which delivers defective und unneeded cytosolic material to lysosomes. During autophagy, ATG8s are conjugated to double-membrane autophagosomes to facilitate cargo recruitment, autophagosome biogenesis, transport and fusion with lysosomes. However, emerging evidence shows that ATG8s are also delivered to single-membrane organelles with highly divergent degradative or secretory outcomes. In these processes, ATG8 proteins exert non-canonical functions whose regulatory mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated.

The Behrends Lab have a long-standing interest in the autophagy pathway and its machinery. In particular, we seek to systematically elucidate protein networks in a spatiotemporal manner and dissect functions involved in regulating the autophagic quality and quantity control of organelles and proteins. This information is then used to understand mechanisms by which disease states compromise the autophagy system. We employ a broad range of experimental strategies including biochemical and cell biological approaches as well as quantitative proteomics and high-content imaging in cultured and primary cells. Our lab is well embedded in the excellent research infrastructure at the Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy) which offers access to state-of-the-art technologies, well-equipped laboratories, a vibrant scientific exchange and passionate culture of cooperation. For more details: www.behrendslab.com and www.synergy-munich.de

Candidates should have a first-class Master’s degree in a Life Science-related discipline, a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology or mass spectrometry-based proteomics and be highly motivated and enthusiastic to join the exciting field of autophagy research. Previous experience with mouse models and primary murine cells will be an advantage. The LMU München is striving to increase the overall proportion of women on its staff and thus expressly urges qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities and equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

The position can be filled immediately, is guaranteed for 3 years with a standard public service salary for doctoral researcher (TV-L E13 65%) and may be prolonged for addition 2 years. Formal applications, including a CV, the names and contact details of at least two referees and a motivation letter should be addressed via email as single pdf-file to Prof. Dr. Christian Behrends (christian.behrends@mail03.med.uni-muenchen.de)