13 PhD Scientist Positions are Available for participation in
Marie Curie Initial Training Network on Small Artery Remodelling
The aim of the network is to provide a structured PhD / young researcher training programme on small artery physiology and pathophysiology, including cell biological, molecular biological and physiological aspects. The network consists of 10 partners from 7 European countries. Funding will be in accordance with the country of employment.
PhD applicants must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in life sciences (e.g. medical science, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology), physics, chemistry or related fields, with relevant preparative training. Participation in the training programme in small artery function and pathophysiology of the SmArt ITN network is mandatory, and will involve summer schools and workshops, and specialized training in partner laboratories. A good command of spoken and written English is essential.
Eligibility for participation in a Marie Curie Initial Training Network
Applicants must be in the first 4 years of their research careers (starting at the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate).
Applicants must not be a national of the host country.
Applicants must not have resided or performed their main activity in the host country more than 12 months in the 3 year period immediately prior to the start date.
Applications should be sent by email to the respective project leader.
Application form
Application guidline
Description of the individual positions 2 positions in Lund, Sweden (partner #1). Project leader: Per Hellstrand 2 positions in Muenster, Germany (partner #2). Project leader: Lydia Sorokin 2 positions in Munich, Germany (partner #3). Project leader: Ulrich Pohl 1 position in Aarhus, Denmark (partner #4). Project leader: Christian Aalkjaer 1 position in Amsterdam, Netherlands (partner #5). Project leader: Ed van Bavel 1 position in Lausanne, Switzerland (partner #6). Project leader: Curzio Ruegg 1 position in Pécs, Hungary (partner #7). Project leader: Ákos Koller 1 position in Heidelberg, Germany (partner #8). Project leader: Markus Hecker 1 position i London, Great Britain (partner #9). Project leader: Qingbo Xu 1 position at NeuroSearch, Denmark (partner #10). Project leader: Soren-Peter Olesen
1) 4-year PhD position to investigate effects of calcium handling mechanisms in regulating gene expression . In proliferating vascular cells, a shift in the regulation of calcium influx from voltage-dependent (L-type) to non-voltage dependent (store-operated) mode has been shown, which correlates with increased expression of the putative channel protein TRPC1.. Influx via L-type channels promotes synthesis of contractile proteins, whereas store-operated influx seems instead to stimulate primarily cell proliferation. The project aims to explore these mechanisms and will involve collaboration with partner 4 on down-regulation of ion channels (L-type and TRPC) and with partner 10 on the role of Ca2+-stimulated K+ channels in these two modes of Ca2+ entry and their effects on gene expression.
2) 4-year PhD position to investigate pathways of mechanosensing and the role of cellular microdomains in whole vessels, using in vitro and in vivo approaches to determination of remodelling and expression of inflammatory markers in relation to altered flow and pressure conditions. These studies will be done in normal and genetically modified mice and under conditions of dyslipidemia to evaluate the role of lipid-rich membrane domains. The project will involve collaboration with partner 2 on the role of matrix proteins, partner 5 on Tgases and with partner 8 on the role of focal adhesion proteins, with application of novel techniques for interference with transcription factor mechanisms.
Information/ application form to: Per.Hellstrand@med.lu.se
1) 3 year PhD position (E13/2 west) to investigate the role of smooth muscle laminins on small artery remodelling/ cooperation with Partners 1 and 4. Work involves morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization of laminin a5 smooth muscle condition KO and laminin a4/ laminin a5 smooth muscle double KO mice.
2) 3 year PhD position (E13/2 west) to investigate the role of endothelial cell laminins on small artery remodelling/ cooperation with Partners 1 and 4. Work involves morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization of laminin a5 endothelial cell specific condition KO, laminin a4/ laminin a5 endothelial cell double KO mice, and laminin a5 pericyte specific/ laminin a5 endothelial cell specific DKO mice.
Both projects will involve advanced imaging techniques and ultrastructural analyses, and extensive mouse work for physiological studies, including contraction and flow-dependent dilatation experiments using acute models (cannulated small mesenteric arteries and arterioles) and intravital microscopic analysis of mesenteric and cremaster muscle arterioles.
Information/ application form to: sorokin@uni-muenster.de
1) Shear stress dependent modulation of matrix proteins and their role in control of short-term vascular plasticity
2) Matrix-dependent control of endothelial cell function and communication
Information/ application form to:upohl@lmu.de
Role of voltage-dependent vs. store-dependent Ca2+ influx for protein synthesis and cell differentiation
Information/ application form to: ca@fi.au.dk
The PhD student will use advanced physiological and biophysical techniques to unravel the role of transglutaminases in small artery remodelling. Included are in vivo and in vitro models for remodelling, such as the use of isolated, pressurized vessels in organoid culture and the interaction of vascular cells with the matrix as observed during time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Molecular tools include the use of recently developed Tgase 2- eGFP constructs. We expect that the student has hands-on experience with standard molecular techniques, but also is able to incorporate biophysical and physiological approaches.
Information/ application form to: e.vanbavel@amc.uva.nl
Endothelial and progenitor/inflammatory cell response to shear stress and ECM modifications: role of integrins
Information/ application form to: curzio.ruegg@unil.ch
Pressure and shear stress-induced microvascular function/dysfunction and remodelling mechanisms: role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and renin angiotensin system (RAS).
Information/ application form to: Akos.Koller@aok.pte.hu
Three-year postgraduate or ESR position (German remuneration scheme TV-L E13 50%) to do a PhD; the specific task is to investigate the role of the cytoskeletal protein zyxin and the transcriptional repressor Zfm1 (or splicing factor-1) in mechanosensitive gene expression during small artery remodelling in mice in vitro and in vivo. There will be a close collaboration with partner 1 (University of Lund, Sweden). Additional training opportunities will be provided by partner 3 (LMU Munich, Germany) and partner 4 (University of Aarhus, Denmark).
Information/ application form to: hecker@physiologie.uni-hd.de
Role of stem/progenitor cells in vascular remodelling
A PhD studentship is available for EU citizens to investigate the mechanism of mechanical stress-induced stem/progenitor cell differentiation into vascular cells, using in vitro andin vivoapproaches to determination of remodelling and expression of cytokine induction. These studies will be done in vitro cultured mouse/human stem cells in a conditions mediated by different matrix proteins, e.g. collagen, laminin and fibronectin (J. Cell Biol.2006;174:1059-1069). The studies also involve in normal and genetically modified mice and under conditions of hyperlipidemia to evaluate the role of stem cell repair and differentiation. The project will involve collaboration with partner 2 on the role of matrix proteins and with partner 8 on the role of focal adhesion proteins, with application of novel techniques for interference with transcription factor mechanisms.
Information/ application form to: qingbo.xu@kcl.ac.uk
Functional consequences of downregulation of genes coding for Ca2+- and K+- channels using siRNA technology in vivo and in vitro
Information/ application form to: spo@neurosearch.dk
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