Plasmin-Induced Activation of Human Endothelial Cells – Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Functional Significance

Plasmin-Induced Activation of Human Endothelial Cells – Mechanisms of Signal Transduction and Functional Significance

Description : INSTITUTION: Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Several research groups are working on topics in pharmakogenomics, tumor immunology, and natural products pharmacology as well as molecular aspects of protease-mediated proinflammatory signaling.
For further information see: http://www.uni-ulm.de/klinik/nhk/

POSITION: PhD student position
in a research project sponsored by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) for 3 years. Salary according to the German scheme for state employees, i.e. 50 % of a PhD salary.

The interaction of the serine protease plasmin with endothelial cells as well as in cocultivation with monocytes and macrophages will be analyzed at the cellular and molecular level.

GOALS: i) Identify the receptor for the serine protease plasmin on human endothelial cells, ii) characterize the plasmin-induced signaling pathways in endothelial cells, iii) investigate the functional consequences of the plasmin-mediated cell activation in terms of inflammatory responses.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Isolation and cultivation of primary human endothelial cells and endothelial cell lines as well as primary cells from human blood. Identification of ‚target’ proteins proteolytic signaling by means of biochemical, chemical and physicochemical methods. Analysis of molecule-molecule interactions with ‚surface plasmon resonance’. Characterization of proinflammatory functions, e.g. gene induction, cytokine release and chemotaxis, and proinflammatory signaling, e.g. kinases and transcription factors.

REQUIREMENTS: Diploma or Master degree in Biochemistry, Biology or related areas. We expect a high level of motivation and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. Skills in cell or molecular biology are an advantage, but no precondition.
The University intends to increase the percentage of female scientists. Therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualifications disabled persons will be preferred.

APPLICATION: Please call for informal enquiry (+49 (0)731-500-65600) or send your full application including CV and copies of your certificates preferably by e-mail.
Homepage : Dept. of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology
Category : PhD student position
Contact address : Prof. Dr. Thomas Simmet
Ulm University
Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology
Helmholtzstraße 20
D-89081 Ulm
Germany
E-mail: thomas.simmet@uni-ulm.de
Web: http://www.uni-ulm.de/klinik/nhk/