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

Interference of the human pathogenic fungus Aspergilllus fumigatus with the phagocytosis by macrophages

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important airborne fungal pathogen. The frequency of invasive mycoses due to this opportunistic fungal pathogen has increased significantly over the past two decades. In healthy individuals, an infection with A. fumigatus is prevented due to the action of the host immune system. The innate immune system represents the first line of defense against conidia. Inhaled conidia are immediately confronted with the two effector mechanisms of the innate immune system: the complement system and phagocytes, whereas the adaptive immune system only plays a role in the onset of an infection.

Recently, we could show that A. fumigatus conidia are able to reduce the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes in macrophages which might explain in part pathogenicity of the fungus (1). Furthermore, A. fumigatus is apparently able to evade the effects of the activated complement system (2).

The aim of this project is to understand the mechanism of interference of A. fumigatus with the fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes and to further characterise the interaction of the human complement system with A. fumigatus.

References

1. Jahn, B., K. Langfelder, U. Schneider, C. Schindel and A. A. Brakhage (2002) PKSP dependent reduction of phagolysosome fusion and intracellular kill of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia by human macrophages. Cellular Microbiology 4: 793-804

2. Behnsen, J., A. Hartmann, J. Schmaler, A. Gehrke, A. A. Brakhage and P. F. Zipfel (2008) The opportunistic human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus evades the host complement system. Infection and Immunity 76: 820-827

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. Axel Brakhage,                               axel.brakhage@hki-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.