Prof David Hoogewijs
Applications accepted all year round
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
A PhD student position is available in the Integrative Oxygen Physiology group headed by Prof. David Hoogewijs at the Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland. We explore the molecular mechanisms of cellular sensing, signaling and adaptation to changing oxygen availability in mammals by applying a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques. Apart from physiological and pathophysiological processes, including embryonic development, high-altitude adaptation, wound healing and inflammation, the mechanisms of adaptation to reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia) are of major importance for several clinically relevant diseases including anemia and cancer.
The focus of this PhD project is to investigate the regulation of hypoxia-inducible erythropoietin expression. Abnormal erythropoietin synthesis is commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease or congenital erythrocytosis. The experimental approach will consist of a broad range of molecular biological techniques in mammalian cell lines. We offer an international, stimulating and well-funded working environment at the interface between basic science and medicine. Furthermore, we have access to state-of-the-art technologies including electron microscopy and mass spectrometry as well as advanced bioinformatics within the Faculty of Science.
The project involves active collaborations with academic hospitals in Germany (Ulm, Essen) and France (Nantes), and is part of the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Kidney.CH (http://www.nccr-kidney.ch) which brings together nephrology experts across Switzerland. The University of Fribourg is a bilingual (French, German) university located in the heart of Switzerland offering an attractive salary and excellent living conditions with ample opportunities for cultural and outdoor activities.
Funding Notes
Applicants should have a University Master degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology or similar. We are seeking candidates who are highly self-motivated and committed, able to work both independently as well as in a team environment, with experience in basic molecular techniques and interest in bioinformatics. Lab language is English. The position is open until filled. Starting date: September-October 2017 (negotiable).
Applicants are invited to send a CV, motivation letter, brief description of laboratory experience and 2 reference letters directly to Prof. David Hoogewijs ([Email Address Removed]) in a single pdf document.
References
Selected publications from our group include:
- Schörg A et al. (2015) Destruction of a distal hypoxia response element abolishes trans-activation of the PAG1 gene mediated by HIF-independent chromatin looping. Nucleic Acids Res. 43, 5810-5823.
- Storti F et al. (2014) A novel distal upstream hypoxia response element regulating oxygen-dependent erythropoietin gene expression. Haematologica 99, e45-48.
- Gardie B et al. (2014) The role of PHD2 mutations in the pathogenesis of erythrocytosis. Hypoxia 2, 71-90.
- Ladroue C et al. (2012) Distinct deregulation of the hypoxia inducible factor by PHD2 mutants identified in germline DNA of patients with polycythemia and paraganglioma. Haematologica 97, 9-14.
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