Open position for a

PhD student

4 years on

Cellular Mechanisms of Pathogen-Host Interactions

The interaction between primary epithelial cells and the bacterial class-I carcinogen Helicobacter pylori determines chronic inflammation and malignant processes in the human stomach. H. pylori is the major cause of gastric cancer development and progression, but the intracellular processes involved in carcinogenesis are not fully understood. In this project, functional analyses of important virulence factors (HtrA, CagA, etc.) of H. pylori will be performed. The aim is a detailed analysis of how specific virulence factors interfere with signal transduction pathways in the infected host and contribute to inflammation-induced carcinogenesis in the stomach.

The successful candidate will investigate (i) signal transduction pathways in response to H. pylori-derived and -induced host proteases (such as HtrA, ADAM proteases, calpain, caspases) in human organoids and immune cells, and (ii) the integration of signal transduction pathways in the development of inflammation-driven cancer. Novel methods and techniques will be employed: organoids as advanced novel in vitro infection models, Next Generation Sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, confocal and STED microscopy.

Relevant publications: Diechler et al., 2021, Toxins; Chichirau et al., 2020, Pathog Dis; Schmidt et al., 2016, Sci Rep; Hoy et al., 2010, EMBO Rep.

Candidates:

• should have a strong background in microbiology, cancer biology, and/or molecular biology
• are expected to be scientific-orientated and self-motivated
• have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• collaborate with internal and external partners and support other group members
• Employ cutting-edge technologies and standard molecular biology tools

The position is fully funded for the entire period (annual gross salary: 14x € 2.228,60. We have a new, state-of-the-art laboratory at the Paris Lodron University in Salzburg, Austria, a beautiful location on the northern edge of the Alps. The Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology provides broad possibilities for interaction and support. The PhD student will be integrated into the doctoral school Biomolecules (DSP BioM). Our group is member of the CCS, the priority program "Allergy-Cancer-BioNano Research Centre" (ACBN, University of Salzburg), and international "PhD program Immunity in Cancer and Allergy” (ICA, University of Salzburg/FWF).

Please send your CV, publication list and letter of interest (refer to GZ A 0004/1-2022) to bewerbung@plus.ac.at. Closing date: 02.02.2022.

For more information, please contact Silja Wessler (silja.wessler@plus.ac.at), phone: + 43 (0) 662 8044 7210.