News
Postdoc position
Date: June 12, 2024
ERC-funded postdoc position in Drosophila lipid metabolism
The Nephrogenetics unit headed by Prof. Dr. Matias Simons is recruiting a motivated postdoc to lead research projects in lipid cell biology and metabolism with the help of the Drosophila model. The mission of the Nephrogenetics unit is to advance the understanding of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of inherited kidney disorders as a prelude to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common kidney disease. Currently, we have a major interest in studying lipid metabolism in kidney physiology and pathophysiology. Among other experimental models, we use Drosophila as a rapid genetic model to study the cell biology as well as organ crosstalk in lipid metabolism, focusing on the contribution of nephrocytes and oenocytes to the lipid composition in the circulation. Recent publications include Dow et al, Nature Reviews Nephrology, 2022; Jouandin, Marelja et al, Science, 2022; Perez Marti et al, eLIFE 2022; Marchesin et al, Cell Rep 2020; Bedin et al, J Clin Invest 2020; Goncalves et al, PloS Genetics 2018; Rujano et al, J Exp Med 2017; Gleixner et al, Cell Rep 2014.
Within the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant, we now offer an exciting opportunity to study lipid metabolism in Drosophila. For this, we invite applications from individuals with solid Drosophila experience. Prior experience with lipid metabolism research is an advantage but not a prerequisite. The projects will be carried out in a stimulating work environment with scientific collaborations across the Heidelberg life science community, in particular with the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) between the EMBL and the Medical Faculty.
The successful applicant will have good communication and organisational skills and a PhD in a relevant area (or be in the final stages of completion). Candidates are expected to be highly motivated and to work independently with a strong work ethic. There will also be opportunities for gaining mentorship experience via helping to train junior investigators in the group and for carrying out projects to their own related areas of interest. As we are an international lab, proficiency in English language is a requirement. Applications including a cover letter, a detailed CV including a publication list and contacts of up to three referees should be sent as soon as possible to
matias.simons@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Key words:
Drosophila, nephrocytes,oenocytes, renal cancer, lipid metabolism, lipoproteins, endocytosis, lipid droplets