Cellular nanoscopy of the septin cytoskeleton

A young, technology-oriented cell biology laboratory is looking for highly motivated PhD-students with a strong interest in interdisciplinary work on the nanoscopic organization and cell biological function of the septin cytoskeleton.
The septins are a conserved family of cytoskeletal GTPases that are of essential function from yeast to humans. However, while the actin and tubulin cytoskeleton are very well understood, our knowledge of the cellular function of septins and the molecular mechanism behind the formation of septin filaments and their dynamics in cellular processes is only beginning to be understood. The aim of these projects is to use recently developed genome-edited cell lines and superresolution microscopy methods combined with live-cell microscopy and in-vitro assembly assays to understand the structural and functional organization of septin filaments.
We offer an ambitious environment striving for excellence in technology, experiment and analysis. Substantial resources towards this project are available in terms of technical help and state-of-the art technology and assays. Our laboratory is firmly integrated in the international superresolution, septin and cell biology communities and strongly connected within the scientific environment in Berlin. We strive to support our alumni and former lab members have moved on to postdocs and group leader positions at prestigious institutions.
FU Berlin is one of 11 German universities of excellence and in the Top 100 of world universities across rankings. It has a strong international character and Berlin is one of the top locations for research in Europe with several universities and federal research institutions. Quality of life is high and the cost of living is low. Both positions are fully funded for 3.5 years.