Postdoc – Protein homeostasis in mammalian oocytes (f/m/x)

Group Gabriele Zaffagnini | CECAD Research Center

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The ProteOOstasis Lab is a recently established research group at CECAD, located on one of Europe‘s top research campuses with state-of-the-art facilities. We focus on protein homeostasis in mammalian oocytes and its demise during reproductive aging. We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc with a background in proteostasis, lysosomal signalling, and/or protein biochemistry. We offer a diverse range of research projects at the intersection between biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology, and an interdisciplinary range of experimental systems, from in vitro reconstitutions to live oocyte imaging. Candidates are welcome to propose additional projects within the scope and expertise of the lab.

YOUR TASKS

• Dissect the regulation of endolysosomal super-organelles in mouse oocytes and its demise during reproductive aging
• Perform isolation, microinjection, immunostaining and imaging of mouse oocytes and embryos
• Optimise ultra-low-input proteomics and lipidomics for mouse oocytes
• Develop your own research project under the project in autonomy under the supervision of the PI
• Supervise undergraduate students and share your knowledge and expertise
• Promote a culture of respect, collaboration and mutual support in the lab

YOUR PROFILE

• You hold a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry or similar field
• You have a proven record of research excellence, such as such as being a co- or first author of a publication (co-)first-author paper
• You are a team player who thrives in a collaborative working environment
• You have excellent written and oral English skills
• You are willing to work with mice. Previous accreditation as animal experimenter is desirable but not required
• You have a background in proteostasis, endolysosomal trafficking/signalling, biomolecular condensates and/or protein biochemistry
• Previous experience with oocyte/embryo manipulation, imaging, image analysis, and/or in vitro reconstituted systems is an advantage

WE OFFER

• A large, international, top European research campus with state-of-the-art facilities
• An enthusiastic, collaborative, and curiosity-driven research environment
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models
Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 January 2025 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is for two years with an option to extend up to 5 years (in total). If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de . The reference number is Wiss2409-06 .

The application deadline is 1 December 2024 .

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Gabriele Zaffagnini ( gabriele.zaffagnini@uni-koeln.de ).