You will use a combination of modern approaches to:

IMP - Research Institute of Molecular Pathology; Wien; Vor Ort; EUR 12.000 - 18.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

IMP - Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna is offering a Master’s project focused on how RNF213 recognizes intracellular bacteria and triggers cellular defense. You will work at the IMP/Vienna BioCenter, gaining hands-on training across molecular, cellular, and infection biology techniques.

You will combine fluorescence microscopy, molecular cloning, bacterial genetics, and proximity labeling to dissect host–pathogen interactions and identify cooperating proteins in innate

Qualifikationen

• Strong interest in mechanistic biology.
• Experience in molecular biology/cell biology/microbiology is advantageous but not required.

Aufgaben

• Infect human cells with bacteria and follow RNF213 recruitment by fluorescence microscopy.
• Use molecular cloning and bacterial genetics to manipulate both host and bacterial components.
• Apply state-of-the-art proximity labeling and quantitative proteomics to identify proteins acting together with RNF213.
• Test candidate proteins and pathways using cellular and biochemical experiments.

Kenntnisse

Strong interest in mechanistic biology

Tools

Molecular cloning

Bacterial genetics

Fluorescence microscopy

Jobbeschreibung

Decoding how cells sense and mark intracellular pathogens

How do mammalian cells recognize that a bacterium has escaped into its cytosol and how does it mark the bacterium for removal? Our research focuses on RNF213, a large ubiquitin ligase that plays an important role in the cellular defense against intracellular pathogens. RNF213 can recognize bacteria that have gained access to the host cell and mark them with ubiquitin, thereby initiating an antibacterial response. However, we still do not understand what RNF213 recognizes on a bacterium and which cellular factors help control this process.

In this Master’s project, you will investigate how RNF213 recognizes intracellular bacteria and how this recognition triggers a cellular defense response.

You will use a combination of modern approaches to:

• infect human cells with bacteria and follow RNF213 recruitment by fluorescence microscopy
• use molecular cloning and bacterial genetics to manipulate both host and bacterial components
• apply state-of-the-art proximity labeling and quanitative proteomics to identify proteins acting together with RNF213
• test candidate proteins and pathways using cellular and biochemical experiments

The project therefore combines cell biology, microbiology, ubiquitin biology and proteomics to address a fundamental question in innate immunity.

What we offer

You will work as part of a collaborative research team at the IMP/Vienna BioCenter. The project provides you with the opportunity to work at the interface of ubiquitin biology, innate immunity and bacterial infection. You will receive close scientific supervision and hands-on training in modern molecular, cellular and infection biology techniques, including advanced imaging, proximity labeling and proteomics.

Your profile

We are looking for a student with a strong interest in mechanistic biology. Previous experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology is advantageous but not required.