Master’s thesis position at Actin and Plasma Membrane Dynamics Group, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki
The actin cytoskeleton plays a central role in multiple biological processes including muscle contraction, cell motility, cell division, endocytosis, and phagocytosis. Because abnormalities in various actin-dependent processes are typical to cancer cells and during infection processes of several pathogenic microbes, detailed knowledge of function and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton will also shed light on the principles of these pathological states. Our laboratory uses a wide range of cell biology, light microscopy imaging, biochemistry and genetic methods to elucidate how the actin cytoskeleton is regulated during various cellular processes. The group is part of Finnish Academy Center of Excellence in Biomembrane Research.
We are searching for a highly motivated undergraduate student to work in a breast cancer related master’s thesis project. Combination of molecular biology and cell biology methods, including RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas9 and light microscopy imaging, will be applied to examine mechanisms of breast cancer cell invasion and chemoresistance. Previous experience in cell culturing and imaging methods is beneficial, although not required. Grant based on the general guidelines of Institute of Biotechnology will be provided. The project can be started immediately or during spring-summer 2015.
For further information of our research, please visit our web pages: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/lappalainen/ and http://prolipids.helsinki.fi.
Please, send your application and CV to prof. Pekka Lappalainen by Email (pekka.lappalainen@helsinki.fi) by the 15th of March.