Master Thesis (m/f/d) in Molecular biology / Biotechnology
The Molecular Biology Team (homepage: https://www.mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de/25630/molecular_biology) of the Bioprocess Engineering Group at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems (Magdeburg) is looking for a motivated Master student to work on the following topic:
“Structural and functional analysis of viral RNA interactions in influenza virus DIPs in vitro”
Defective interfering particles (DIPs) are naturally occurring viral mutants, that interfere with the replication of fully infectious virus strains during co-infection. This results in reduced infectivity of the released viral particles. Previous studies indicate that DIPs may serve as effective antiviral agents; however, our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the action of DIPs is still limited. The aim of this study is to gain insight into these processes by conducting experimental research to explore the intermolecular interactions between DIP genomic viral RNAs in vitro.
Tasks
The Master student will have the opportunity to learn a variety of methods, including site-directed mutagenesis, molecular cloning, bacterial cell culture, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), reverse genetics, mammalian cell culture maintenance, transfection, infection, virus quantification (HA assay, plaque assay), real-time RT-qPCR and data analysis.
Profile
The offer is addressed to students of Biotechnology, Biosystems technology, Biochemistry, Biology or similar; requiring knowledge in the field of molecular biology and virology.
We offer
We are looking for highly motivated candidates and expect initiative, accuracy, the ability to work independently as well as in a research team and to present the project and its results in English. We offer research work in an international and cooperative environment. Remuneration within a HiWi employment contract is possible.
Additional information
The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, professional strengths, and the candidates’ attitude. We, therefore, welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology or sexual identity.
Increasing the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented is a primary goal of the Max Planck Society. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from qualified women and expressly encourage them to apply.
The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal to employ more severely disabled people. Severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Applications from severely disabled people are, therefore, expressly encouraged.
The start date is as soon as possible.
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, and transcript of records in English via our application portal.
Contact person for further information on the job advertisement:
Julita Piasecka, PhD
