Diploma Thesis at the Interface of Immunology and metabolism

Title:   Investigation of immune-metabolic crosstalk during chronic viral infection.

Duration: 12 months (full-time)

Topic:

When an organism undergoes an infection, a myriad of inflammatory signals is produced, leading to immune activation and the propagation of immune cell populations, specialized in combating the infection. Each activated cell type in this case undergoes a shift in its metabolic program, to support the changing demands for energy and intermediary molecules. In our lab we are interested in understanding key processes in host-viral interactions and their impact on metabolic homeostasis on a systemic level.

The goal of this diploma thesis is to further study the molecular mechanisms by which immune activation influences metabolic regulation and vice versa, in a model of chronic viral infection. Next to providing insights into the fields of immunology, virology, and metabolism, this thesis offers a diverse methodology, ranging from cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology to benchmark in vivo experiments. Furthermore, this thesis will bring you in contact with cutting-edge high-throughput methods of modern biology, including metabolomics and RNA sequencing.

The diploma thesis will be performed in the group of Dr. Andreas Bergthaler at CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The Bergthaler laboratory hosts an international team of scientists and is supported by prestigious grants from the European Research Council (ERC), the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and other funding sources.

Research at CeMM focuses on molecular mechanisms in inflammation, infections and cancer and is embedded in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international scientific environment. A recent survey by “The Scientist” ranked CeMM as one of the best place to work in Academia 2012 worldwide (http://the-scientist.com/2012/08/01/best-places-to-work-academia-2012).

Requirements for the ideal diploma (bachelor or master) candidate:

University/FH student in the field of molecular biology, biomedical science, biochemistry etc. High motivation and work ethics, interests in immunology/virology and metabolism, being a team player and excellent communication skills are required.

This position is also open for students working towards their medical degree (MD/DVM) and who are highly

motivated to do basic research in a laboratory setting.

Application:

Please click on the link below to apply online with your application documents (cover letter, CV and names and contact details of 2 referees): https://cemm.jobbase.io/job/rezc6ute

Visit the lab`s website: http://www.bergthaler1.at .