Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint disease. The prevalence of OA is worldwide affecting millions of patients who suffer from pain, stiffness and dysfunction of joints. Currently no effective therapies are available to stop or slow down the disease progression and finally the patients may receive even total joint replacement surgery.

The research project will focus on the boundary lubrication system in articular joints during health and OA. Of particular interest for this study are extracellular lipids being surface-active as well as other lipids being either pro- or anti-inflammatory. We aim to study the regulatory control of the metabolism of extracellular lipids using in vitro models.

The project will involve numerous techniques and experimental approaches like electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), isolation and cell culture, Western blotting and/or ELISA, and molecular biology techniques e.g. Real-Time PCR. In addition, data evaluation, comparison and interpretation with literature informations, data presentation and publication are important.

We provide work in a good atmosphere with an experienced team in a modern, well-equipped laboratory, excellence in research, supervision and support, scientific networking, collaboration with other laboratories including short-term lab rotations and personal funds (tax-free fellowship).

We are looking for an outstanding, highly-motivated candidate of any nationality, who should hold a Diploma/Master degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related area. Applicants should have excellent communication and team skills. Experience in biochemistry and cellular biology will be an advantage.

Please send your complete application per e-mail or post (CV, copies of certificates, two letters of recommendations, overview of your studies, names and contact information of two references) to:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Steinmeyer

Laboratory for Experimental Orthopaedics

Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery

University Hospital Giessen & Marburg GmbH

Paul-Meimberg-Str. 3

D-35392 Gießen

Germany

Tel.: ++49-(0)641-985 42920

Fax: ++49-(0)641-985 42939

Email: Juergen.Steinmeyer@ortho.med.uni-giessen.de

http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/fb11/institute/klinik/ortho/forschung/experimentelle%20orthopadie

Application closing date: August 20, 2012

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