PROJECT SCIENTIST

PROJECT SCIENTIST (m/f/x) to join the Giulio Superti-Furga Laboratory at CeMM to work on the human “Mini-Cell” project funded by a grant of the “1000 Ideas Programme”

Period:

December 2020 until November 2022

The Superti-Furga laboratory at CeMM in Vienna addresses the mechanisms by which cells respond to challenges that perturb homeostasis, may these challenges be drugs, changes in environmental conditions or viruses. When it comes to understand metabolism and the transporters that control environmental access to nutrients, a reduction in complexity would be advantageous. Is it possible to obtain a human cell with less genes?

We are currently looking for an experienced, highly motivated scientist with an interest in chromosome biology, synthetic biology, and molecular biology. We aim at recruiting an ambitious and particularly fearless scientist who wants to work with us on the generation of a human “mini-cell”.

This position is perfectly suited for a scientist with an excellent background in molecular biology and genomic engineering who is open for a 2-year position in an international, academic environment and who is eager to exercise her/his skills in this fascinating project.

The Project

The “mini-cell” project was recently granted by the Austrian Science Fund and it will allow us to investigate the cellular machinery and metabolism with reduced redundancy and complexity. The techniques used in this project will be synthetic cell engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 and other methods, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and whole genome sequencing. Within the project the project scientist will be the key personnel supported in part by a research technician. The project will be embedded in the research group of Giulio Superti-Furga at CeMM and it will make use of the in-house sequencing facility. The laboratory has experience with all techniques proposed within the project description and has a proven track record systems biology and genomic engineering.

Selected References:

Rebsamen M, et al. Nature. 2015 Mar 26;519(7544):477-81.

Köberlin MS, et al. Cell. 2015 Jul 2;162(1):170-83.

Bigenzahn JW, et al. Science. 2018 Dec 7;362(6419):1171-1177

Girardi E, et al. Nat Chem Biol. 2020 Mar 09; 16(4) 469-478

Heinz LX, et al. Nature. 2020 May 13; 581(7808) 316-322

Your Profile

+ PhD degree or extensive experience in a relevant field (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry)

+ Excellent skill sets in performing and documenting experiments (e.g. molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry)

+ Excellent skills in planning, designing and trouble-shooting cell-based assays

+ Experience in genome biology and sequencing data analysis are a plus

+ Team player with strong communication skills and a proactive mindset

+ Excellent command of English

We offer

+ Challenging position in a great team and in a meaningful, inspiring and international setting

+ Competitive salary: This position is remunerated with a minimum yearly (gross) salary of EUR 48.000,- on a full time base. The definite salary will be based on qualification and experience.

+ Being part of a thriving academic and social community in Vienna, one of the cities with the best quality-oflife in the world

+ The CeMM employment contract includes full insurance (health, accident, pension) and a one-off payment for moving

+ CeMM’s HR department and administrative team offers support with relocation, visa applications, onboarding, family support, etc.

The Laboratory

The Superti-Furga laboratory consists of a highly collaborative team of 25 scientists from 10 nations. In the last three years, we published about 50 papers, among which 10% in Nature, Science and Nature sister journals. Please visit our lab’s website for more details: www.superti-furga-lab.at

The Institute

CeMM is a flagship institute for biomedical research in the heart of Europe, Vienna. CeMM is committed to highest scientific standards. The environment is very collaborative, dynamic and international. One of CeMM`s advantages is to be in close proximity to the Vienna Medical University Campus and the General Hospital (AKH). This allows the fruitful interaction of basic scientists with clinicians, and the use of models and cuttingedge technology to disease-relevant biological questions. According to a study by The Scientist, CeMM is ranked as the best European place to work in Academia 2012, internationally CeMM appears at the fourth place. The official language at CeMM is English, and more than 48 different nationalities are represented at the institute.

For more information please visit: www.cemm.at

Application details

CeMM aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, competences and potential. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Please apply online with your application documents (cover letter, CV and names and contact details of 2 referees): https://cemm.jobbase.io/job/1nqr8mgj

Closing date for applications: 31 October 2020