Postdoc in Yeast Molecular Biology – Nuclear Envelope Lipid Metabolism and Gene Regulation

We’re looking for an ambitious yeast molecular biologist to join our team as a postdoctoral fellow. This position in the Köhler group at the Max Perutz Labs in Vienna offers an exciting chance to explore the intersection of nuclear architecture, lipid metabolism and gene regulation.

OUR RESEARCH

The nucleus is the signature element of eukaryotes and the nuclear envelope is the protective shell for the genome. Our goal is to understand nuclear envelope architecture and function from a mechanistic perspective. A specific interest of the lab is to investigate the lipid composition of the inner nuclear membrane (INM), a unique territory of the endoplasmic reticulum that intimately surrounds the genome. We discovered metabolic turnover of lipids at the INM and found that the INM can form nuclear lipid droplets that are used for lipid storage and gene regulation (Romanauska & Köhler, Cell 2018). Intriguingly, the INM is highly sensitive to specific fatty acids and executes a detoxification mechanism that is achieved by shunting “bad” fatty acids into cytosolic, as opposed to nuclear, lipid droplets (Romanauska & Köhler, Developmental Cell 2021). Recently, we discovered that lipid acyl chain unsaturation is essential for nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex (NPC) architecture and function, preventing the rigidification and rupture of the cell nucleus (Romanauska & Köhler, Nature Cell Biology 2023).

 

YOUR ROLE

The successful candidate will lead a project dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms driving nuclear envelope lipid metabolism in S.cerevisiae. Through the integration of advanced light microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), lipidomics, membrane biochemistry and genetics, we aim to uncover crucial regulatory pathways governing nuclear envelope lipid dynamics, in pathways that are conserved from yeast to humans.

YOUR PROFILE

You should have obtained your PhD recently or expect to complete your PhD soon. A demonstrated scientific excellence with a strong published or upcoming first author paper is required. Although expertise in yeast molecular biology is beneficial, we welcome applicants with diverse scientific backgrounds.

WE OFFER

The Köhler lab provides a stimulating environment for successful scientific work, drawing talent from around the world. The Max Perutz Labs (https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at) are located at the Vienna Biocenter Campus (http://viennabiocenter.org), a leading biomedical research location in central Europe. You will benefit from a range of excellent core facilities (http://www.vbcf.ac.at/home/). The institute is home to scientists from over 40 different nations with English as the working language. Vienna was named as city with highest quality of life in the world for many times. Childcare facilities are available on campus.

The position is endowed with a competitive salary and is available initially for 3 years. It can be turned into a permanent position depending on performance.

TO APPLY

Please submit your CV, a statement of research accomplishments and future goals and contact details of three referees as a single PDF file. The position is open immediately. Applications will be reviewed continuously until the position is filled. We encourage the early submission of applications. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email.

Send correspondence to: Prof. Alwin Koehler

Email: alwin.koehler@maxperutzlabs.ac.at

For more information see our website at: https://www.maxperutzlabs.ac.at/research/research-groups/koehler