SFB 80: RNA-DECO
Decorating RNA
for a purpose

RNA modifications as regulatory elements for protein synthesis

A fully funded PhD position (30 hours per week) is available in the research group of Matthias Erlacher, at the Institute of Genomics and RNomics at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Our research group aims to better understand the process of protein synthesis in bacteria and in eukaryotes. In particular, we focus on how modifications of RNA nucleotides can shape specific steps of translation. mRNAs, rRNA and tRNAs, which are the main players in translation, are decorated by a variety of RNA modifications and have been shown to be essential for all organisms. In this project, we aim to deepen our understanding of the regulatory and functional role of certain tRNA and mRNAs modifications.

The available PhD position is embedded in the SFB RNA-deco, which is a consortium of several research teams from Vienna and Innsbruck that study different aspects of RNA modifications.

We are seeking for a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in RNA biology and protein synthesis.

Your Profile:
• Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or similar
• Interest in basic research on bacterial an eukaryotic translation systems
• Team player: we are a small group so we support/help each other

We offer:
• Highly motivated team and supportive environment
• Possibility to attend national and international conferences and retreats
• Fully funded position available from May 2024; salary according to FWF

The Medical University is located in Innsbruck in the heart of the alps. The city provides numerous possibilities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking or biking. Innsbruck is also home of two large universities and therefore daily life is strongly shaped by students.

If you are interested, please e-mail a CV and letter of motivation to: Matthias.Erlacher@i-med.ac.at

Open PhD Position at the Institute of Genomics and RNomics

About the Moll lab
Our group aims to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in Bacteria, with a special focus on the regulatory capacity of the ribosome. We investigate the intricacies of ribosome heterogeneity and reprogramming of protein synthesis in vivo and in vitro, utilizing a comprehensive methodology that integrates advanced techniques in molecular biology and bacterial physi-ology employing the well-established model organism Escherichia coli. Additionally, we enhance our research with structural studies to gain further insights into the various mechanisms that control ribosome diversity and selectivity. Current projects are aimed at understanding the role of conditional RNA modifications on translation dynamics in the bacterial stress response, which are embedded in the special research program SFB RNA-DECO (https://www.rna-deco.org/), representing a consortium of top RNA research labs in Austria investigating RNA modifications.

We are looking for a skilled, enthusiastic, and motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our team. The success-ful applicant will take a lead role in the project on regulatory roles of tRNA modifications in protein synthesis. Training and supervision will be provided throughout the project, but we also expect a high level of drive and independence. As part of our group, you will closely collaborate with colleagues and the group leader and contribute to the development of the team. We strive for a supportive feedback culture, a diverse and inter-national team, and a place for creative and rigorous science.

This is part of your personality:

• PhD degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
• Research competence and initiative proven through international publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Extensive experience in molecular microbiology with a special emphasis on RNA biochemistry, tran-scriptomics, especially ribosome profiling, and bioinformatic data analysis. Previous experience with structural biology is a plus.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Team player and high social/communicative skills.

Your future tasks:
You actively participate in research, teaching, and administration, which means:

• Contribution to the project on regulatory roles of tRNA modifications in protein synthesis.
• Participation in writing scientific publications and grant applications.
• Participation in teaching and supervision of BSc and MSc students.
• You participate in the organization of meetings, conferences, and symposia.

What we offer:
Employment duration: The position is limited to 3 years and offers the possibility of extension for 1 year.
Fair salary: Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement. The basic salary of EUR 4,351.90 (14 times a year) increases if we can credit professional experience.
Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible, family-friendly working hours.
Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair work-ing environment.
Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the centre of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.
Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis.
Equal opportunities for everyone: We look forward to diverse personalities in the team!

It is that easy to apply:
Interested applicants should send their CV, a motivation letter (describing experience and research interests), as well as the contact information for at least two references via e-mail with subject line ‘Postdoc applica-tion’ to Isabella Moll (Isabella.moll@univie.ac.at).
The position is available immediately with a flexible start date.

About the Max Perutz Labs
The Max Perutz Labs are a research institute established by the University of Vienna and the Medical Univer-sity of Vienna to provide an environment for excellent, internationally recognized research and education in the field of Molecular Biology. Dedicated to a mechanistic understanding of fundamental biomedical process-es,
scientists at the Max Perutz Labs aim to link breakthroughs in basic research to advances in human health. The Max Perutz Labs are located at the Vienna BioCenter, one of Europe’s hotspots for Life Sciences, and host 45 research groups, involving around 400 scientists and staff from more than 50 nations.
www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at

Postdoc Moll Job ad SFB

We are seeking to employ a highly motivated individual who would like to be part of a dynamic Research Group focusing on RNA biology at the Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Medical University of Vienna (MUW).

What we offer:

• An exciting academic environment, which is perfect for learning how to efficiently employ a variety of molecular biology techniques;
• Access to cutting-edge technologies including recombinant protein expression and purification, next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, and CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene-editing;
• Active participation in a variety of research projects in house or in collaboration with other institutes;
• Further career development within MUW programs for employees;
• Salary paid according to the collective agreement for university employees (employment group IIIA);
• A time-limited contract (one year) with the option to become permanent (depending on the performance of the successful applicant).

Required qualifications:

• Matura or equivalent qualification;
• Training as a technical assistant, or holder of a university degree (B.Sc. or M.Sc.) in a subject area with chemical-biological relevance.

What we expect:

• An open-minded and proactive approach to any given task;
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques;
• Ability to handle hazardous materials according to strict safety and disposal guidelines;
• Self-reliant setting-up of experiments, meticulous recording, and the ability to independently evaluate experimental results;
• Maintenance of databases for lab organization and diligent ordering of chemicals and lab materials;
• Fluent in both spoken and written English.

Starting date: 01.02.2024

Please, apply by E-mail to: matthias.schaefer@meduniwien.ac.at

Schaefer CTA ad english
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