The University Hospital of Cologne ranks among the leading university hospitals in Germany. Our 7,400 employees, working in more than 59 highly efficient clinics, polyclinics and institutes offer optimum inpatient and outpatient care as well as professional vocational training and continuing education programmes. With some 1,300 beds, we are one of the largest hospitals in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Our international reputation is based on our outstanding record as a provider of top-flight medical care and as a leading academic institution in the fields of medical research and teaching.

CECAD - Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases
Collaborative Research Centers CRC829 and CRC832 Cell Polarity And Cancer

In the recently established group of Dr. Sandra Iden at the University Hospital of Cologne a position for a

PhD student (f/m)

is available immediately, initially limited to one year. The salary will be based on TV-L13, in part-time 50%.

The research of our group is focused on the function of polarity proteins in skin homeostasis and in age-related pathologic conditions including cancer. The project related to this post addresses the function of cell polarity regulators in mammalian skin tumor formation and metastasis. Cell type-specific contributions and the consequences of deregulated polarity signaling on cellular architecture, survival mechanisms and cell death will be investigated.

Our group is embedded in a stimulating, multidisciplinary research environment at the University Hospital campus and is affiliated with the Cologne Excellence Cluster on Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), which forms a focal point of aging research in Europe. The Collaborative Research Centers CRC829 and 832 elucidate mechanisms of skin homeostasis and functions of the tumor microenvironment, respectively.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic candidate with pre-doctoral degree in biology, biochemistry or related subject and proficiency in basic methods of molecular biology, biochemistry and cell cultivation. The applicant must have a strong interest in cell biology, molecular oncology and the use of genetically engineered mouse models of cancer. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in tumor models. Good command of oral and written English and ability to work in a team is essential.

The Board of Directors of the University Hospital of Cologne places strong emphasis on gender equality and seeks to increase the proportional representation of women in this field. Thus applications from female scientists will be welcomed; suitably qualified women will be given preferential consideration unless other candidates clearly demonstrate superior qualifications.

We also welcome applications from disabled candidates, who will also be given preferential consideration over other applicants with comparable qualifications.

Further information is available on the internet at http://cecad.uni-koeln.de/Dr-Sandra-Iden.96.0.html.
For further information contact Dr. Sandra Iden. To apply, please forward your complete application (including CV, certificates, a brief statement of research interests, and recommendation letter or contact information of two academic references) no later than January 15th, 2012, by e-mail in a single pdf-document to or by regular mail to:
University Hospital of Cologne
CECAD/CRC829/CRC832
Dr. Sandra Iden
Robert-Koch-Str. 21
50931 Cologne