1 Master Thesis Position (m/f/d)

About

The German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) is a member of the Leibniz association and its mission is to conduct experimental and clinical research in the field of nutrition and health.

The Department of Experimental Diabetology is an internationally recognized research-based department encompassing life sciences and a partner of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD). 

We invite applications for  1 Master Thesis Position (m/f/d) starting as soon as possible.

Your tasks

The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team to characterize the role of a zinc-finger transcription factor for Langerhans islet cell proliferation, survival, and type 2 diabetes. Following instruction, the master student will learn to perform experiments independently to study the role of the transcription factor in insulin producing beta-cells and assess a potential involvement in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. Possible tasks include:

• Generating beta-cell knockout cell lines via CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis
• Adenoviral overexpression of the transcription factor in a beta-cell line
• Generating and analyzing bulk RNA-seq datasets
• Assessing beta-cell survival (TUNEL-, MTT-assay) & proliferation (BrdU incorporation)
• Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting of beta-cells

In working on their thesis project, the prospective student will learn to conduct an independent research project, collaborate with experimental and bioinformatic researchers, analyze and interpret experimental data, and formulate findings in a scientific body of work (thesis).

Your profile

The DIfE invites applicants with an academic background in an appropriate discipline – e.g. cell or developmental biology, biochemistry, genetics, or another biological science with relevant background knowledge.

The candidate is offered extensive hands-on training opportunities in the lab and interdisciplinary interactions with experimental scientists and bioinformaticians. Prior lab experience or a background in diabetes research would be an asset.

Your benefits

The institute offers excellent working conditions in an interactive and multidisciplinary research environment, with state-of-the-art equipment, qualified training and the opportunity to continue on a PhD position afterwards.

Your application

Please send your application until  January 15th, 2023 at the latest via e mail to studenten@dife.de.  

For further information please do not hesitate to contact: 

Prof. Dr. Annette Schürmann
Head of the Department of Experimental Diabetology
Tel.: +49 33200 88 - 2368
E-Mail: schuermann@dife.de

Dr. Thilo Speckmann
Scientist
Tel.: +49 33200 88 - 2524
E-Mail: thilo.speckmann@dife.de

By submitting your application documents, you grant us the right to collect, process, and use your personal data exclusively for the application selection process. For further information about your rights according to the data protection law, please contact the department Human Resources and Social Services (jobs@dife.de).

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