The group „Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering“ at RWTH Aachen University Medical School is offering a position for a

Ph.D. student

Focus of this project is on epigenetic modifications in hematopoietic differentiation and leukemia. We are particularly interested in DNA methylation changes during directed differentiation, aging, and leukemic transformation. Our preliminary data indicate that the DNA methylation patterns of neighboring CpG sites are patient specific and can be used to track minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We want to develop this method further with new sequencing approaches. Furthermore, epigenetic writers and relevant proteins for chromatin structure will be modified with CRISPR-Cas9n technology and overexpression to determine their impact on the epigenetic makeup in malignant transformation. All relevant techniques are established in the lab (including culture expansion, differentiation assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR, blotting techniques, genetic modifications, microarray platforms, and epigenetic analysis with deep sequencing technology.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with a strong background in cell biology or epigenetics. Experience in bioinformatics would be appreciated. Willingness for teamwork, the ability to work independently, and excellent English language skills are a prerequisite.

We offer a highly interactive and well equipped environment in a team with international partners, a broad spectrum of methods, and a highly relevant topic. (homepage: www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de)

Funding is available for at least three years: for the first year with 50% TV-L E13 and for the second and third year with 65% TV-L E13.

The RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program for partner hiring. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply and appointments will be made on merit.

Your application should include a cover letter which specifically emphasizes your interest in our work (preferably in English), CV, and copies of the most important certificates. For additional questions please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Wolfgang Wagner. Your application should be send by Email until September 28th, 2018 (wwagnerukaachen.de).

We are looking forward to your application!