The Fagerholm group at the Biotechnology Institute, University of Helsinki is seeking to recruit a PhD student. The student will participate in investigations of leukocyte migration. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop an independent project within the scope of the core research interests of the lab.

Description

The Fagerholm group consists of Immunologists and Biochemists working together to understand the molecular mechanisms which regulate leukocyte adhesion, migration and signalling in vitro and in vivo. We have developed methodology which allows the study of these processes in the laboratory. In addition, we are interested in the role of integrins in immune system regulation and in immune-system related diseases such as immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and allergy.

Applicants should possess an excellent academic record. In addition, they should have a strong understanding of basic principles of immunology and/or cell and molecular biology and have the ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team.

Interested persons should send their application to Dr. Susanna Fagerholm (susanna.fagerholm@helsinki.fimailto:susanna.fagerholm@helsinki.fi), including a brief statement of research interests, a CV (with subjects and degrees), and the names and contact details of 2 referees.

Deadline for application is February 8th 2015, but review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For an outline of the group's research: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/bi/fagerholm/index.html

Recent publications from the lab include:

1. Morrison VL, James MJ, Grzes K, Cook P, Glass DG, Savinko T, Lek HS, Gawden-Bone C, Watts C, Millington OR, MacDonald AS, Fagerholm SC. (2014). Loss of beta2-integrin-mediated cytoskeletal linkage reprograms dendritic cells to a mature migratory phenotype. Nat Commun. 5: 5359.

2. Gawden-Bone C, West M, Morrison VL, Edgar A, Dill B, Trost M, Prescott A, Fagerholm S, and Watts C (2014). A critical role for beta2 integrins in podosome formation, dynamics and TLR-signalled disassembly in dendritic cells. J Cell Sci, 127:4213-24. 3. Morrison VL, Macpherson M, Savinko T, Lek HS, Prescott A, Fagerholm SC. (2013). The beta2-integrin-kindlin-3 is essential for T cell homing but dispensable for T cell activation in vivo. Blood, 122(8):1428-36.

4. MacPherson, M, Lek, HS, Prescott, A and Fagerholm SC. (2011). A systemic lupus erythematosus-associated R77H substitution in the CD11b-chain of the Mac-1 integrin compromises leukocyte adhesion and phagocytosis. J. Biol. Chem. 286(19):17303-10.