Open positions
PhD Position in Developmental Neurobiology
A PhD student position (BATIIa/2) is available in the Developmental Neurobiology Group of Prof. Fritz G. Rathjen at the Max-Delbrück-Centre for Molecular Medicine in Berlin.
Our group is focussing on the molecular characterization of axonal pathfinding during the development of the nervous system. Successful applicants will study the role of the second messenger cGMP in signalling processes during axonal pathfinding. The project combines a variety of biochemical, molecular, and cell-biological techniques with the analysis of transgenic mouse lines. Applicants should have a sound background in molecular biology and biochemistry, preferably with experience in cell cultivation.
Selected readings:
Schmidt et al. (2002) cGMP-mediated signaling via cGKIalpha is required for the guidance and connectivity of sensory axons. J. Cell Biol. 159: 489-498.
Schmidt et al. (2007) The receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2 is essential for sensory axon bifurcation within the spinal cord. J. Cell Biol. 179: 331-340.
Successful candidates will join a friendly, dynamic group in purpose-built laboratories at the Max-Delbrück-Centre Berlin-Buch.
Applications in writing including full CV, summary of Master/Diploma thesis, and name of a referee should be send to:
Prof. Dr. Fritz G. RathjenDevelopmental Neurobiology Group Max-Delbrück-Centre for Molecular Medicine Robert-Rössle-Str.10 13092 Berlin Germany Tel.: +49 -30- 94 06 37 09
email: rathjen@mdc-berlin.de
The MDC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employ handicapped individuals and to increase the number of female employees.
Ph.D. -POSITION: Electrophysiologist in Neurobiology
available in the research group Developmental Neurobiology at the MDC (Berlin-Buch).
The research of our group focuses on cell-surface proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily and an EGF-like differentiation factor implicated in synapse formation.
The project will involve electrophysiological methods (whole-cell patch–clamp recordings, extracellular recordings) to characterize the function of these proteins in knockout mice. Synaptic transmission will be studied in different brain regions during development, especially during synaptogenesis. The project will combine electrophysiological methods together with biochemical and molecular biological methods.
Applicants should have an excellent knowledge in neurophysiology, and a strong interest in developmental neurobiology. A high motivation for basic scientific research is a prerequiste.
Selected readings:
Jüttner, R. et al, F.G. (2005). Impaired synapse function during postnatal development in the absence of CALEB, an EGF-like protein processed by neuronal activity. Neuron 46 (2): 233-245
Jüttner, R. and Rathjen, F.G. (2005) Molecular analysis of axonal target specificity and synapse formation. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 62: 2811-2827
For more detailed information please contact:
Prof. Dr. Fritz G. RathjenDevelopmental Neurobiology Group Max-Delbrück-Centre for Molecular Medicine Robert-Rössle-Str.10 13092 Berlin Germany Tel.: +49 -30- 94 06 37 09
email: rathjen@mdc-berlin.de
Diploma Thesis / Master of Science Thesis
in the field of developmental neurobiology on different aspects of neuronal connectivity available in the research group of Prof. Fritz G. Rathjen.
For Example:
- Analysis of neural cell cultures by patch-clamp recordings using mutated mice
- Analyses of axonal pathfinding in mutated mice
- Characterization of specific proteins implicated in synapse formation
- Characterization of axonal and dendritic branches in neuronal cell cultures
For application and details please contact:
Prof. Dr. Fritz G. RathjenDevelopmental Neurobiology Group Max-Delbrück-Centre for Molecular Medicine Robert-Rössle-Str.10 13092 Berlin Germany Tel.: +49 -30- 94 06 37 09
email: rathjen@mdc-berlin.de