What we offer

In the Team “Brain Microcircuits in Psychiatric Diseases” we combine behavioral studies with state-of-the-art genetic techniques and imaging biological processes in vivo and in vitro. We offer paid internships of approx. 6 months duration, with a possibility of accomplishing Master thesis, for highly enthusiastic and independent students. During this period, you will:

• actively contribute to the research of dysfunctions related to psychiatric diseases
• plan, execute, analyze and report the experiments independently
• present and discuss your data
• meet and interact with international and multidisciplinary environment at BioMed X, as well as with our mentors from University of Heidelberg and Boehringer Ingelheim

What you will learn

Topic 1. Visualizing metabolism with genetically encoded indicators.

• Setting and maintenance of primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons
• Transfection of primary cells
• Live cell imaging of metabolic process (wide-field and FRET microscopy)
• Imaging data analysis

Topic 2. Optimization and validation of protocols for obtaining iPSC-derived neural cells.

• Setting and maintenance of iPSC-derived progenitor cells
• Differentiation of iPSC-derived progenitor cells to neurons and astrocytes
• Immunocytochemistry and qPCR to detect cell-type specific markers

Topic 3. Genetic manipulation of metabolic pathways in primary and iPSC-derived neural cells.

• Genetic engineering (incl. shRNA, CRISPR), PCR, cloning (incl. Gateway, Gibson recombination)
• Gene delivery to primary and iPSC-derived neural cells
• Functional screen of the impact of genetic manipulation on selected metabolic pathways

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter explaining the reasons of interest to join our team
• Curriculum Vitae summarizing technical skills, personal goals and extra-scientific passions

The positions are sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. The positions are available immediately. Selected candidates will be invited for a personal interview. Previous hands-on experience in any of the techniques is advantageous. Please submit your application for the attention of Dr. Michal Slezak via the online application system on this website.