Download Two Postdoctoral Research Positions Dec 7, 2016 Matthias Fischer

Two Postdoctoral Research Positions
Matthias Fischer group
Department of Biomolecular Mechanisms
Max Planck Institute for Medical Research
Jahnstrasse 29
69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Dec 7, 2016
Research topic: Interactions between a giant DNA virus, a virophage, and a protist
Single-celled eukaryotes (protists) are infected by a variety of viruses, including so-called
'giant viruses' that encode hundreds of proteins and have particles big enough to be seen by
light microscopy. Giant viruses themselves are prone to parasitism by a smaller class of DNA
viruses termed 'virophages'. Virophages strictly depend on a co-infecting giant virus for their
replication and can severely inhibit the replication of the giant virus, which in turn benefits
the host cell population. Metagenomic evidence suggests that virophages are genetically
diverse and geographically widespread. Yet,
virtually nothing is known about the
molecular interactions between the two
viruses and their hosts. In our lab, we work
with cultures of the marine protozoan
Cafeteria roenbergensis, the lytic giant virus
CroV, and the virophage mavirus. Using this
model system to study hyperparasitism, we
investigate molecular and population-level
processes to elucidate the infection cycles of
virophages and giant viruses and to better
understand their ecology and evolution.
Figure: Two particles of the giant virus CroV,
surrounded by mavirus particles. ©MPImF/Mersdorf
We are currently looking for two outstanding postdoctoral scientists who want to work on
the following projects:
Project 1: Gene editing in the marine heterotrophic nanoflagellate Cafeteria roenbergensis
using CRISPR/Cas9 technology
In order to characterize specific viral and host proteins, we are looking for a scientist with
experience in CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish an experimental protocol for gene editing
in C. roenbergensis.
Project 2: Investigation of the molecular interactions between the giant virus CroV and its
virophage mavirus
The successful candidate working on this project will study the molecular phenomena that
underlie the dependency of virophages on giant viruses, and the mechanism of giant virus
inhibition by virophages.
Candidates for either project should hold a PhD in microbiology, virology, molecular & cell
biology, or related fields. Excellent skills and knowledge in molecular biology are required;
expertise in bioinformatics is a welcome plus. Applicants should have good English writing
and communication skills and an appropriate productivity record as evidenced by
publications in peer-reviewed international journals. We expect that the candidates are
highly motivated, open-minded, and capable of critical & analytical thinking.
We offer state-of-the-art facilities at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, which is
embedded in a rich biomedical and cultural environment in the scenic city of Heidelberg,
Germany. The positions are available immediately and are supported for two years by the
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, with salaries according to TVöD (Bund) (German public
salary scale with fringe benefits).
Applications should include a cover letter detailing your research experience and your
interest in the position, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a copy of the degree
certificate, and full contact details for at least two academic references. Applications will be
accepted until the positions are filled.
In case of interest, please contact Matthias Fischer at [email protected].
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities
in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas
where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
Lab homepage: www.mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de/13934518/viruses-of-protists
Further reading concerning our work:
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Fischer MG & Hackl T (2016). Host genome integration and giant virus-induced reactivation of
the virophage mavirus. Nature 540:288-291.
Fischer MG (2016). Giant viruses come of age. Curr Opin Microbiol 31:50-57.
Krupovic M, Kuhn JA, Fischer MG (2016). A classification system for virophages and satellite
viruses. Arch Virol 161:233-247.
Fischer MG, Suttle CA (2011). A virophage at the origin of large DNA transposons. Science
332:231-234.
Fischer MG, Allen MJ, Wilson WH, Suttle CA (2010). Giant virus with a remarkable complement
of genes infects marine zooplankton. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:19508-19513.