The focus of the research group "Autophagy and Cellular Ageing" is (1) to understand how cells regulate and perform autophagy at system-wide level and in mechanistic detail and (2) to gain comprehensive insight in the mechanisms and processes that underlie cellular ageing. We are mainly studying the yeast S. cerevisiae and apply a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, genomics, systems biology, cell and molecular biology, high content imaging and flow cytometry. Using synthetic biology in two separate projects, we have developed two cell systems in yeast which allow us to monitor autophagy and mitotic/replicative ageing, respectively, on genome-wide scale at single-gene resolution in a fully automated manner. We are now aiming at determining the metabolic and genetic landscape of autophagy regulation and mitotic ageing. Downstream analyses will unravel the cell biological underpinnings of identified functional gene cluster. Discovered principles will also be tested for evolutionary conservation in higher organisms. We seek highly motivated, ambitious, and talented scientists to be part of an enthusiastic and collaborative team in an outstanding scientific environment.

This post is available from the earliest time point.

Qualifications
The successful applicant will hold a Ph.D. in a relevant research area such as biology, molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry and have a strong track record of accomplishment. The applicant should have a keen interest in the biology of autophagy and ageing, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience with cell biology, biochemistry or high throughput screening methods is essential. Familiarity with bioinformatics and fluorescence microscopy is a plus. The working language is English; knowledge of the German language is not required.

Research Environment
The Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing was founded in 2008 for the purpose of understanding fundamental mechanisms of healthy ageing. It is part of a broad network of research institutions in the Cologne-Bonn area dedicated to research on ageing and age-related disease, constituting a vibrant and collaborative environment for research. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and excellent core facilities, to which the successful candidate would have access, the institute provides outstanding research opportunities for its scientists. The Institute hosts employees from 23 nations, and will grow to 350 members in the new building.

Our offer
The employment contract is based on contracts for the civil service (TVöD-Bund, Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst) and will be time limited. The Max Planck Society is committed to employ more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply. The Max Planck Society also seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and especially encourages them to apply.

Are you interested?
To apply, please upload one single pdf-file (job code 08-2018) containing a one-page letter with a personal statement describing your scientific accomplishments and interests, a one-page description of a research project you would like to pursue, your CV and bibliography, contact information for 3 references, on our application website http://www.age.mpg.de/career/open-positions/. Deadline for application is 15.03.2018.

For further information about the Institute see www.age.mpg.de.