The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.

We invite applications for a

Proinflammatory mediators formed by the kallikrein-kinin system, e.g. bradykin, can stimulate bone resorption and maintain inflammation in periodontitis. So it was shown that IL-1 and TNFα, two important cytokines in periodontitis enhance kinin B1 and B2 receptor expression. Despite only limited knowledge a direct influence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontopathogenic species, might not be neglected.  Bradykinin is efficiently stimulated by proteases of P. gingivalis (gingipains), mainly Rgp. On the other hand yet unpublished data from Jan Potempa suggest that bradykinin may be converted into desArg9-bradykinin (desArg9-BK, bradykinin without C-terminal arginine) by an arginine-specific carboxypeptidase of P. gingivalis (Arg-CPD). Bradykinin signals through kinin B2 receptor (B2R), whereas desArg9-BK is very potent agonist of B1 receptor (B1R).

The purpose of the project planned in collaboration with Jan Potempa (Jagiellonian University of Krakow, Poland) and Heiko Herwald (Lund University, Lund, Sweden) is to characterize in vitro the interaction of P. gingivalis carboxypeptidase and Rgp with bradykinin showing the reconstitution of desArg9-BK. This in vitro system should contain first human plasma as well as Rgp and Arg-CPD. Further instead of plasma high molecular weight kininogen, prekallikrein as single components of the kallikrein-kinin system are tested. The results of the Arg-CPD and Rgp have to be confirmed by P. gingivalis wild type strain, Arg-CPD null mutant and P. gingivalis Rgp-null mutant and clinical isolates of P. gingivalis. Furthermore the in vitro study should demonstrate the switch from B2R ligand which gives rise to a transient inflammatory response to B1R stimulation which promotes a sustained response by P. gingivalis.  

We expect:

- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around “Microbial and biomolecular interactions”. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.

- high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS

- an integrative and cooperative personality

- very good communication skills in English

We offer:

- a top-level research environment

- efficient supervision by a team of two supervisors

- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)

- courses in novel technologies and soft skills

- a highly communicative atmosphere between the involved institutions

- Jena – the German City of Science 2008: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University

The positions are available starting in January 2009 and for three years. Salary will be according to TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees).

HKI is an equal opportunity employer.

Further information:

Prof. Dr. Eberhard Straube,                                  eberhard.straube@med.uni-jena.de

Dr. Dorit Schmidt, ILRS Coordinator,            ilrs@hki-jena.de

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de

and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to

ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

To apply:

For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website

www.ilrs.hki-jena.de
and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications can only be considered upon receipt of the completed “Statement of Interest” form submitted to
ilrs@hki-jena.de .

Deadline for submission of the ‘Statement of Interest’: October 30^th, 2008.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment meeting in December 2008.

The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute - in cooperation with the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology are offering an international graduate program. The

International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena)

gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.