Research Assistant/ PreDoc

Research AssistAnt/ PreDoc

Division Physiology

HEAD: Univ. Prof. Dr. Gerald Obermair

30h, 3 year position

The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL) is part of an academic and research community located at the Campus Krems, and includes a network of teaching hospitals in St. Pölten, Krems, and Tulln. The university offers degree programs in Human Medicine and Psychology which are tailored to the requirements of the Bologna model, opening the door to new, cutting-edge health professions. KL is committed to raising its profile in specific areas of biomedicine, biomedical engineering, and biopsychosocial sciences by entering into strategic academic and research partnerships with other institutions.

Information to the research project:

Acquired epilepsy develops after injury to the brain which is followed by a phase of epileptogenesis during which neuronal processes occur leading to a seizure-prone brain. There is currently no strategy to prevent the development of epilepsy. Interictal spikes (IS), detectable by EEG in the epilepsy patients, are a hallmark of ongoing epileptogenesis.

IS are caused by synchronous electrical firing of a large group of neurons, which is called paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDS).

In this project, we will investigate the effects of PDS on neuronal metabolism. Our data suggest that PDS induce a metabolic switch making mitochondria to utilize less glucose and more glutamine. This metabolic switch protects neurons from the deleterious effects of neuronal hyperexcitability. Understanding of the details of PDS-induced metabolic switch can lead to a neuroprotective strategy and possibly shed light on the mechanism of epileptogenesis.

The PhD thesis will be supervised by Dr. Matej Hotka and the PhD study will be conducted within the PhD Programme Mental Health and Neuroscience (https://www.kl.ac.at/en/study-continuing-education/phd-program-mental-health-and-neuroscience).

References:

* Hotka M, Kubista H (2018) The paroxysmal depolarization shift in epilepsy research, Int J Biochem Cell Biol. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.12.006 PMID: 30557621

* Dhoundiyal, A et al. (2022) Glycerol-3-Phosphate Shuttle Is a Backup System Securing Metabolic Flexibility in Neurons. J Neurosci doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0193-22.2022 PMID: 35999055

* Hotka, M et al. (2020) L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated Ca2+ influx adjusts neuronal mitochondrial function to physiological and pathophysiological conditions. DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw6923 PMID: 32047116

YOUR TASKS

* Participation in the research projects at the Division Physiology (PhD thesis)

* Analysis of in vitro cell culture models, particularly analyses of metabolic and synaptic functions employing molecular biology, immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, and high-resolution microscopy

* Supervision of students and participation in teaching

YOUR PROFILE

* Diploma or master's degree in the life sciences

* Interest in science and in conducting a PhD thesis project

Required: Background in molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, electrophysiology, Life-cell imaging

Willingness to participate in teaching and mentoring students

Reliable and independent working attitude

Willingness to accept mobility opportunities in course of the PhD studies

Friendly, open appearance and team spirit

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

You can expect a challenging job in an internationally visible and highly motivated team. We offer flexible working hours, home office options, a paid lunch break, health care and many other benefits.

KL is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Hence, KL is encouraging a full range of diverse and talented qualified candidates to apply for open positions.

Payment according to the FWF regulations for PhD students, the minimum classification is € 2.684,10 (30 hrs) gross per month.

APPLICATION

Applications should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae and credentials. Please apply online at www.kl.ac.at/karriere with reference to the reference number "2434" by January 6, 2025 at the latest.