SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD position in Advanced biological study of mechano-transduction of cancer cells on textured surfaces

The PhD position is proposed in the framework of the International Research Training Group “Soft Matter Science” (IRTG), a joint PhD program of the Universities of Strasbourg/France and Freiburg/Germany. The primary workplace will be at the Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse/France.

This International Research Training Group brings together chemists, physicists, engineers, and biologists from all over the world aiming to develop concepts for the design of innovative materials with a high level of functionality.

For more information about the IRTG: www.softmattergraduate.uni-freiburg.de

Project description
Biological cells react in subtle ways not only to the chemical properties of surfaces but also to topological features and the mechanical properties of the substrates. One example is the behavior of cancerous cells on post surfaces. The nuclei of these cells deform strongly and essentially wrap themselves around the posts under certain conditions [1].
Our objective is to elucidate the mechano-transduction pathways involved in this deformation. We will develop live cell imaging to follow cell adhesion, migration and deformation on microstructures. Due to specific inhibitors of proteins involved in cell adhesion and deformation, we will elucidate the main intracellular actors of the nuclear deformation. New imaging methods will be developed in order to analyze the intracellular signals of mechanotransduction. Genomic and proteomic analysis of cells deformed on microstructures will be also performed. The knowledge acquired with this approach should allow us to determine potential targets for inhibiting deformation of cancer cells and thus reducing their metastatic (invasion) potential and/or develop new tests for invasion potential of cancer cells.
[1]F Badique et al. Biomaterials 34 (12), 2991-3001 (2013).

We offer
- Comprehensive, interdisciplinary research in soft matter science
- Supportive mentoring by at least two advisors
- Exchange with PhD students of the participating laboratories in Germany, France and Switzerland

Training through
- Introductory and advanced courses in the research field of the IRTG
- Specialised workshops and training camps
- Wide spectrum of further qualification measures

Requirements
We are looking for highly qualified and motivatedgraduates holding a master's degree (or equivalent) in cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering or related areas with excellent grades. Applicants should be strongly interested to expand their horizon beyond the specific field of their major and should have excellent proficiency in English as all teaching will be in English. We particularly encourage women to apply.

For the format and the documents required for the application please refer to our website www.softmattergraduate.uni-freiburg.de/appl.

Applications must be sent by e-mail to softmattergraduate@physik.uni-freiburg.de.

Please address your questions to Dr Karine ANSELME (karine.anselme@uha.fr) or Birgitta Zovko (softmattergraduate@physik.uni-freiburg.de).

Anfangsdatum: 1. März 2015

geschätzte Dauer: 3 years