Toll-like receptors (TLRs) constitute one of the most exciting and promising new areas of immunological research due to their pivotal role as pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system (1). TLRs are the key sensors of microbial and endogenous danger signals and are able to initiate immediate innate immune responses and shape adaptive immunity. Dysregulation or dysfunction of the TLR recognition system has thus been implicated in infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Epidemiological association studies have confirmed that TLR genetic variations (e.g. single-nucleotide polymorphisms; SNPs) are associated with disease (2). The available data warrants investigating TLRs as novel therapeutic targets. However, the safe and efficient exploitation will require a more thorough understanding of the principles of TLR signal transduction and genetics, which to date have been poorly understood (3).

Combining 3D structural information (4) and epidemiological single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data with functional experiments, our lab is developing new approaches for investigating the molecular principles of pattern recognition and intracellular signalling from a novel angle. In order to address this research we are seeking to recruit additional excellent and enthusiastic researchers, including one PhD student.

You would be involved in

    * Working with 3D models/structures of different TLR domains.
    * Functionally mapping TLR domains using model-guided mutagenesis.
    * Investigating the functional relevance of TLR SNPs in tissue culture systems.
    * Establishing a random mutagenesis procedure linked to a medium through-put functional screen.
    * Characterising mutations of interest in detail on the protein level using several biochemical and biophysical techniques.

You would be part of an emerging junior research group located in an excellent scientific research institute, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Centre), on the Heidelberg University campus. You would find a motivated, friendly, well-connected and international environment, and a firm commitment to good supervision and training of graduate students. You would be part of the institute's graduate programme, offering training courses and additional teaching. International applicants are especially encouraged and will be supported in participating in the basic German courses offered in-house (NB: German skills are not a requirement for application as English will generally be used in the work environment). For more information about the institute and the lab visit http://www.dkfz.de/en/toll-like-receptors/research.html.

 

Job profile:
    

You should be highly motivated to work independently and as part of a team and hold a Diploma, Masters or equivalent degree in biological sciences or related areas. You have a good command of the English language (written and spoken).

Research experience in molecular/cellular biology, basic biochemical techniques, tissue culture or biophysical methods may be advantageous but is not strictly required.

Begin/Duration
    

October 1, 2008/The position is limited to 3 years.

Financing:
    

Grant funding, E 13/2

Further information
    

Dr. Alexander Weber, Tel.: 06221/42-4965, alexander.weber@dkfz.de

Applications should be sent by email including a short CV, summary of obtained University grades, degree transcripts and the names of at least 2 referees.

The German Cancer Research Center is committed to increase the representation of women in science and encourages applications from qualified female scientists. Persons with disabilities will be given preference among equally qualified candidates.

Please send your application to:
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum
Personalabteilung
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
69120 Heidelberg

Or apply online: http://www.dkfz.de/