PhD projects in Life Sciences starting 2016, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/recruit/http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/recruit/
Invitation for Applications
The Institute of Biotechnology is a leading European research institute within the University of Helsinki with a mission to increase knowledge in cross‐disciplinary biology and biotechnology. The Institute has state‐of-the‐art facilities in imaging, model organisms, proteomics, genomics, crystallography and NMR.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out mainly in four research programs, each consisting of several multidisciplinary groups focusing on research ranging from biophysics and cell biology to genomics, developmental biology, and biotechnology. More information about our research groups is available on www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/about.htmlhttp://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/about.html
We are seeking outstanding candidates for PhD-projects in the Institute of Biotechnology. The successful candidates will start their projects as soon as possible (latest December 2016) and formally register with a faculty and the Integrative Life Science (ILS) doctoral program or another doctoral program in the University of Helsinki depending on the project to be undertaken. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications based on the University salary system. The positions are full time starting immediately or upon mutual agreement.
Available PhD projects: (tentative project titles indicated)
1: Imaging cellular mechanisms of embryonic hair and tooth development
Group Leader: Laura Ahtiainen
We are interested in cell biological events in embryonic development of ectodermal organ systems the tooth, hair and salivary gland. We use advanced tissue imaging techniques of fluorescent mouse models to understand development on a single cell level in living tissue. Our recent research characterizes the cellular events in the forming hair placode and the specialized signaling centers regulating the incisor tooth morphogenesis.
2. Neuroprotective efficacy of CDNF and MANF in human iPS cells-derived dopaminergic neurons
Group Leader: Andrii Domanskyi
Our group studies the interplay between microRNAs and neurotrophic factors in reducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and promoting survival of adult dopaminergic neurons in rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD). This work aims at the identification of neuroprotective microRNAs in adult dopaminergic neurons that may have potential clinical application in the treatment of PD. We utilize tissue-specific inducible CreERT2/LoxP system, virus-mediated transgenesis, and CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce specific genetic modifications to rodent dopaminergic neurons in vivo and in vitro, and study the progression of mutant phenotype at defined time points. We are also establishing protocols to differentiate dopaminergic neurons from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to study their properties and microRNAs regulating their physiology.
3. Degradation of toxic RNAs in the cell ? mechanisms and impact on degenerative disorders
Group Leader: Susana Garcia
The Garcia laboratory is interested in understanding the mechanisms associated with cellular toxicity caused by the expression of transcripts bearing nucleotide repeats.
Short-tandem nucleotide repeats are widely present in the human genome. Expansions within these repeat regions result in a number of degenerative disorders, including Myotonic Dystrophies, Fragile X Syndrome and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, amongst others. RNAs bearing expanded nucleotide repeats in non-coding regions disrupt essential molecular processes and lead to severe cellular degeneration. The molecular disruptions caused by these toxic RNAs are poorly understood, as well as the mechanisms that underlie the cellular degeneration leading to the different human disorders. One example is provided by myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1), an autosomal, dominant, neuromuscular degenerative disease that results from CTG expansions in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the DMPK protein-kinase gene.
Our laboratory’s research goal is to understand how repeat-bearing RNAs hijack normal cellular function to execute toxicity. In particular, we want to identify the cellular components and pathways responsible for the regulation of RNA toxicity.
The Garcia laboratory is particularly interested in the surveillance role played by the nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. NMD was recently identified as a suppressor of Myotonic Dystrophy 1 toxicity, however how NMD recognizes toxic RNAs and the mechanism of RNA toxicity suppression is not understood. NMD is a conserved pathway present in all eukaryotes and is implicated in a variety of biological processes. Understanding the mechanisms of RNA target recognition, identifying the NMD-interacting pathways in transcript degradation, as well as the cellular localization of these essential processes is crucial.
4. Progenitor cell biology during murine kidney development
Group Leader: Satu Kuure
Our research team of four people works on projects aiming to reveal how receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulates development of kidney and lower urinary tract system. The goals of our projects are to link intracellular signaling cascades to the cellular behaviors in order to understand the causes of congenital renal and related lower urinary tract defects. Such knowledge is the basis for generation of novel diagnostics and future therapeutic tools for various renal diseases.
5. Systematic identification of factors regulating cellular quiescence using next generation FUCCI sensors
Group Leader: Norman Zielke
Professor Jussi Taipale holds a joint appointment at the University of Helsinki, and at Karolinska Institutet. The Taipale lab at the University of Helsinki is part of the Academy of Finland's Center of Excellence in Cancer Genetics (2012-2017). Our group is interdisciplinary, and composed of both biomedical and computer scientists. Our main scientific interest is in understanding of how growth factors and oncogenes drive cell proliferation.
Application instructions and more information about the call is available at: www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/recruit/http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/recruit/
Further information:
Erkki Raulo, PhD
Scientific Coordinator
Integrative Life Science (ILS) Doctoral Program, and the Institute of Biotechnology P.O. Box 56
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland Phone +358 50 5964665 Email erkki.raulo@helsinki.fimailto:erkki.raulo@helsinki.fi