Cell-autonomous immunity
PI: Barbara Susanne Sixt, Ph.D., assistant professor
Department of Molecular Biology
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Sixt lab strives to uncover the hidden protective potential of pathogen-suppressed cellular defense pathways, to identify the molecular determinants of host defense and pathogenic countermeasures, and to find means to disturb their balance to the benefit of the host. Our main experimental model is the interaction of human cells with the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis.
Introducing MIMS-EMBL group leaders: interview with Barbara Sixt (Link to interview).
NEW: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Molecular Infection Biology
Project: The molecular basis of a novel host cellular defense pathway against infection
The postdoc project involves the implementation of a CRISPR/Cas9 screening approach to dissect the molecular composition of a recently identified novel pathway of programmed cell death induced during infection with the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis.
The full-time scholarship is for 1+1 years (with possibility for further prolongation depending on satisfactory performance). Starting date: as soon as a suitable candidate can be found.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, or microbiology (or equivalent). Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular and cell biology is a prerequisite. Knowledge within the field of infection biology and/or programmed cell death is considered an advantage. Moreover, candidates with bioinformatics skills, in particular experience in handling and analyzing data from next-generation sequencing projects, will be preferred. The ideal candidate should be passionate about science and be willing to take on scientific and technical challenges. The candidate should be proficient in written and spoken English and is expected to work both independently and as part of an interactive team.
Application:
To apply for the fellowship, the applicant should prepare a single PDF (max 5 pages) containing: 1) a letter of motivation describing the applicant’s interest in the project and how the applicant’s previous experience and skills can contribute to the project, 2) a curriculum vitae including a description of the methods that the applicant has mastered, and 3) names and e-mail addresses for two or more references, with stated professional relationship to the applicant. Applications should be written in English.
The application PDF should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications are possible from now until a suitable candidate was found.
NEW: PhD and master project opportunities in Molecular Infection Biology
Project: Inclusion damage and repair during infection with Chlamydia trachomatis
Many intracellular pathogens of clinical importance have evolved strategies to avoid host cellular defenses by hiding within pathogen-containing vacuoles (PCVs). One of these pathogens is Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial agent of blindness and sexually-transmitted diseases. In this project, we aim to exploit the novel genetic techniques for C. trachomatis in combination with state-of-the-art live cell imaging and genetic screening technologies to obtain a comprehensive understanding of factors that regulate the stability of the Chlamydia PCV (inclusion).
We are currently seeking students that would like to join our team to work on this project.
Interested students should prepare a single PDF (max 5 pages) containing: 1) a letter of motivation describing the student’s interest in molecular infection biology and interest in the specific project, as well as potential relevant previous practical experience, 2) a curriculum vitae including a description of the methods that the student has mastered, and if applicable 3) names and e-mail addresses for one or two references, with stated professional relationship to the student. The document should be written in English and sent to the research group leader: Barbara Sixt (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
ERASMUS, PhD, and PostDoc projects
We are constantly seeking highly motivated students and post-docs who would like to join our team. If you are interested in applying state-of-the-art tools in molecular genetics to debunk the power of cell-autonomous immunity, please send me your CV and a short letter of motivation (preferentially as single PDF file) (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
