University of Cologne
Graduate Programme in Molecular and Cell Biology
The University of Cologne offers a Ph. D. studentship funded by the Deutsche
=46orschungsgemeinschaft in a Graduate Programme organized by the Department=
s
of Genetics, Developmental Biology, Botany and Medical Biochemistry
All activities of the Graduate Programme will be held in English. The
fellowship (2000-2300 DM per month) is for three years. Additional funds
are available for travel.
The position is available immediately in the Department of Botany.
We are interested in the molecular and cellular analysis of the
extracellular matrix (ECM) of scaly green algae. Glycoproteins and
polysaccharides in scaly green algae form complexes of distinct size and
shape termed scales. Scales are synthesized in the Golgi apparatus and
secreted to the cell surface by exocytosis (Trends Cell Biol 5:305). Little
is known about the functional role of the scale-associated glycoproteins
(SAPs) in the biogenesis of scales, in scale-scale and scale-membrane
interactions (Planta 199:503; Planta 210:551). We have isolated several
SAPs from the green alga Scherffelia dubia and obtained peptide sequences
for several of them. The successful candidate will first characterise SAPs
at the molecular level and a later stage investigate the function of SAPs
using a combined biochemical, molecular and cellular approach. The project
is part of a larger research programme focusing on the structure, function
and evolution of the ECM in plants. Other ongoing projects are: Molecular
characterisation of the Golgi complex in S. dubia, functional analysis of
the secretory pathway using a molecular genetic approach, molecular
evolution of enzymes involved in the biogenesis of the ECM of plants.
Applicants should hold a Masters or other degree comparable to a German
University Diploma in Biology or Biochemistry. Applications, including a CV
and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Prof. Michael
Melkonian, Botanisches Institut, Univervit=E4t zu K=F6ln, Gyrhofstr. 15,
D-50931 K=F6ln, fax +49 221 470 5181, e-mail michael.melkonian at uni-koeln.de
by January 15, 2001.
