PhD student position at the Department of Biosciences, Division of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Helsinki

Three-dimensional morphology of autophagosome formation

Our group has successfully used electron tomography to visualize the three-dimensional morphology of nascent autophagosomes. We have demonstrated that nascent autophagosomes can have membrane connections with several other organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lipid droplets, Golgi complex and endosomes/lysosomes  (Ylä-Anttila et al. 2009, Biazik et al.

2015). The PhD project aims to continue this research, by using live-cell imaging combined with correlative light and electron microscopy and electron tomography. The project is best suited for a person with interest in morphological methods, including fluorescence and electron microscopy.

Starting salary is approximately 2170 EUR per month. The funding for the position starts October 1st, 2015 and ends August 31, 2019. The research will take place at the University of Helsinki, Department of Biosciences, located on the Viikki campus 10 km North from the centre of Helsinki. The project will include a research visit to the Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK. More information on the supervisor of the project: http://tuhat.halvi.helsinki.fi/portal/en/person/eleskeli

To apply for the post, please send your motivation letter and CV, including list of publications, by June 19, 2015.

Additional information and applications:

eeva-liisa.eskelinen-at-helsinki.fi

Ylä-Anttila P, Vihinen H, Jokitalo E, Eskelinen E-L: 3D tomography reveals connections between the phagophore and endoplasmic reticulum. Autophagy 2009; 5:1180-1185.

Biazik J, Ylä-Anttila P, Vihinen H, Jokitalo E and Eskelinen

E-L: Ultrastructural relationship of the phagophore with surrounding organelles. Autophagy 2015, 11:439-451.