[Germany] PhD positions in Cardiac Cell Therapy in Universität Köln
PhD student (Dr. rer. medic.), Molecular and Cell Biology of Myocardial Regeneration
The Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne in cooperation with the Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Germany
- 2 PhD student positions: Cardiac Cell Therapy
Our laboratories work on the field of cardiac cell therapy. We have created electromechanical competent conduits that can augment the atrio-ventricular conduction. Furthermore, we have established methods to investigate the action potential propagation from cell to cell in viable tissue at a cellular level.
We investigate the molecular mechanisms of stem cell therapy approaches that are involved in the regeneration of the heart. Our research is interdisciplinary and integrates molecular-biological, biochemical, cell-biological, biophysical, genetic, physiologic and electrophysiological approaches.
We are seeking for 2 PhD students for the creation of tissue constructs based on different stem cell-derived cells and the investigation of their electromechanical properties in vivo. The work includes identification of interaction partner proteins, the molecular and functional characterization of interactions in vitro and in living cells, small animal cardiac MRI, cell transplantation and ex vivo determination of electromechanical properties.
The degree “Dr. rer. medic.†is equivalent to the PhD degree and is offered by the Medical Faculty to graduates of the science faculties (biology, etc. …)
Cologne with its approximately one million citizens is one of the major cities in the center of Germany. The university is the largest in Germany (65,000 students). Applications are invited from highly motivated individuals committed to pioneering and challenging research in a stimulating, multinational environment.
Description of the work:
Successful applicants will generate contractile tissue construct for transplantation based on various cells. The cellular constructs will be optimized for transplantation and the integration after transplantation will determined functionally and morphologically by MRI. Electromechanical coupling will assessed by electron microscopy and electrophysiological tests (microelectrode arrays and sharp electrode assessment in thin slice preparations). Therefore different cell types have to be isolated from tissue as well as bone marrow, construct have to be manufactured and characterized (gene expression, protein expression, immunohistochemistry). The ability to perform basic biochemistry assays and procedure is mandatory (Western blot, Elisa, fluorescence microscopy, cell culture). Furthermore, several educational seminars will be organized in order to enforce the cooperative efforts with other members of the CMMC.
- The salary is based on a scholarship funded by the CMMC (approximately 1000 €, net, depending on age and marital status of the applicant).
- Start: as soon as possible
- All applicants should a resume submit a curriculum vitae (including publication list) and three letters of recommendation, transcripts translated into English
- Duration: 3 years
- Deadline: open until filled
Information from and applications to:
Yeong-Hoon Choi, MD
Staff Surgeon
Heartcenter of the University Cologne
Dept. of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery
Head of Laboratory of Cardiac Regeneration
Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)
Kerpener Str. 62
50924 Köln
Germany
Fon: +49 (221) 478-32452
Fax: +49 (221) 478-32509
email: yh.choi@uk-koeln.de
