EMBL-GSK Postdoctoral Fellow in Airway Ciliation Imaging in Human Lung Tissue : Heidelberg

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Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Barcelona (Spain), Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton near Cambridge (UK), Rome (Italy). EMBL has a strong focus on cutting edge technologies. Major activities are in the areas of imaging and structural methods (high resolution light microscopy, cryo-EM, tissue imaging), genomics (quantitative genetics, chromatin and RNA biology, microbiome), proteomics, metabolomics, biosensors and microfluidics.

This post-doctoral position is a joint appointment with our industry partner GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The successful candidate will join the group of Dr. Rainer Pepperkok at EMBL, and work in close collaboration with Dr. Soren Beinke (GSK-Medicines Research Centre, UK Stevenage, UK) and the GSK-Cellzome teams in Heidelberg. The candidate will be part of the EMBL Postdoctoral Program with access to training, mentorship and career development opportunities. In addition they will also benefit from participation in the GSK post-doctoral program, formal mentorship and various trainings/seminar series in drug discovery. EMBL is a leading international research organization with a collaborative and interdisciplinary atmosphere (see www.embl.de).

The successful applicant will be involved in an international collaborative project between EMBL and GSK on the development and application of advanced microscopy methodologies for lung tissue imaging. The aim of this project is to increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating the 3D molecular architecture of the airway epithelium. Furthermore, we will study the impact of novel therapeutics on airway function which will contribute to the discovery of next generation medicines for chronic lung diseases.   About GSK: GSK, a science-led global healthcare company, brings to collaborations a vast knowledge around target validation and cutting-edge Drug Discovery technologies (e.g. compound libraries, screening platforms, chemoinformatics, structural biology, chemical biology/chemoproteomics). GSK acquired the EMBL spinoff Cellzome in 2012 and thus maintains a presence on the EMBL campus. GSK’s Refractory Respiratory Inflammation Discovery Performance Unit in Stevenage (UK) is focused on severe airway diseases that are not well treated by current standard of care therapeutics. The key goals of these multidisciplinary teams are novel target discovery and validation, supporting lead optimisation and clinical progression of existing drug candidates. 

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD or MD with a strong background in tissue imaging, histology and cell biology. Experience in data analysis is desirable. An interdisciplinary interest and the ability to tackle the technical challenges of different methodologies, ranging from sample preparation via developing customized imaging applications to computational analysis, is essential. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in pathology and drug discovery. Because of the close collaboration between EMBL and the GSK R&D hub in Stevenage UK the successful candidate has the opportunity to spend up to 25% of the time at the Stevenage site, with an expectation of some travel back and forth. Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to coordinate the project across multiple research groups are required.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs

Additional Information

Interviews are planned to be held on 23 February 2018 at EMBL in Heidelberg.   The successful candidate will join the team of Dr Pepperkok which is part of the Cell Biology and Biophysics research unit at the EMBL and offers excellent training opportunities in advanced imaging technologies. Please contact Rainer Pepperkok regarding further information.    EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprise a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family. Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.