PhD & Postdoctoral Positions, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2016)

Applications are invited for PhD student and postdoctoral positions available in the Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Disease Biology (Prof. Dr. W. Krek) at the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences at ETH Zurich (http://www.mhs.biol.ethz.ch) as of January 1st, 2016, or upon agreement.

PhD Student and Postdoc Positions – Molecular Mechanisms of Mutant Spliceosomal Proteins in Cancer

The Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Disease Biology studies the biology of hypoxia signaling in human disease. Recently, it reported on the discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor HIF as a major regulator of the splicing machinery (Mirtschink et al., Nature 2015). Several of hypoxia-regulated spliceosomal proteins are frequently mutated in various human cancers. The spliceosome regulates the alternative splicing of over 95% of multiexonic genes thereby expanding transcriptome and proteome diversity. The functional role of cancer-associated mutations in core splicing factors remains however poorly understood. The successful candidates will investigate the functions of spliceosomal components, including SF3B1, mutated in human cancer and explore their roles in tumor development. These investigations will involve the application of state-of-the-art discovery technologies including genomics and CRISPR/Cas-based screening coupled with systematic and functional studies in advanced cell systems (3D-microtissues; mouse and human organoids), patient-derived samples and mouse models of cancer. State-of-the-art technologies to execute these projects are available through ETH technology platforms (e. g. NEXUS, ScopeM, Functional Genomics Center, ETH Phenomics Center). The positions offer excellent scientific opportunities in a highly stimulating and interdisciplinary environment involving close interactions between scientists from different disciplines.

Applicants should hold a masters degree (for the PhD position) or a MD, MD/PhD or PhD degree (for the postdoc position) with a strong background in molecular biology, mouse genetics and/or cell biology, be highly motivated, dedicated to perform research of the highest quality and excited about science. Applicants pursuing either a MD/PhD degree (for the PhD position) or possessing an MD, MD/PhD degree (for the postdoc position) are particularly encouraged to apply. The position is located at the newly-built Institute of Molecular Health Sciences at the ETH Hönggerberg, a world-leading institution in basic and applied research.

Further details:
academicpositions.eu