Job Offer from February 26, 2024
The working group of Prof. Dr. V. Mailänder, in a bridging project between the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has
1 position for a PhD student (biologist, biochemist, biomedical scientist, molecular biologist or similar) for the topic
Influence of the protein corona on uptake into cellular systems through targeted targeting to be filled.
Nanocarriers are increasingly being investigated as drug delivery vehicles. Here, the coverage of nanocarriers with serum proteins probably plays a decisive role. The studies should lead to a deeper understanding of the interaction of nanoparticles with serum proteins and the influence of these serum proteins on cell uptake. The protein corona of the nanoparticles will be analyzed after detachment by means of protein determination, 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The proteins identified in this process must then be tested as individual substances in terms of their effects on cell uptake. For this purpose, the focus is now on antibody modifications that should lead to targeting of the nanocarriers. Standard cell culture methods as well as flow cytometry and laser scanning microscopy will be used.
Above-average academic performance and a high degree of commitment and motivation to work independently on both cell physiology/molecular biology and peptide chemistry/protein chemistry issues are expected. Initial methodological experience in cell biology and molecular biology methods is desirable. In particular, experience in proteomic mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, gel electrophoresis and laser scanning microscopy can be acquired here.
The project offers interesting and methodologically versatile work in an interdisciplinary and motivated team that has been working for many years on questions concerning the optimization of the interaction of nanoparticles with cells. Mainz as a research location offers a highly interesting scientific environment for carrying out such work. Due to the proximity to basic research, this work is carried out as a cooperation between the Department of Dermatology at the Mainz University Medical Center and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research.
Prof. Dr. V. Mailänder will be available to answer any further questions you may have by email: Prof. Dr. V. Mailänder\Unimedizin Mainz or Prof. Dr. V. Mailänder\MPIP
Please send your detailed application with relevant documents (cover letter, high school diploma, certificates from your studies or previous employment, as well as certificates and details of your diploma or master's thesis), preferably by e-mail as pdf documents to Prof. Dr. V. Mailänder