The “Institut für Integrative and Experimentelle Genomik” at the Universität zu Lübeck aims to unravel the molecular and cell biological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular diseases. Over the last 5 years we and others have successfully identified more than 45 risk loci for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. For most of these loci the underlying pathomechanism is still unknown. Currently, transgenic mice models are the only animal model to study the pathomechanisms leading to atherosclerosis in vivo. Very recently, Fang et al. (JCI, 2011) introduced zebrafish to study the processes of vascular inflammation by monitoring vascular lipid and macrophage accumulation in real time. This fascinating technique opens endless possibilities for in vivo functional studies of atherosclerosis.

The successful candidate is challenged to establish the use of zebrafish in our institute for those investigations. Therefore prior expertise with zebrafish is an absolute requirement. Long-term we aim to establish a zebrafish platform complementing the excellent institutes interested in the genetics of a broad spectrum of diseases at the campus.

Applicants with a strong background in zebrafish genetics are encouraged to apply. The position is initially vacant from the 1 October 2013 – 31 September 2015 and may be prolonged based on the circumstances at the end of the contract period. The payment is on the basis of TV-L E-13. The institute constitutes of an international team of highly motivated scientists. Candidates should be able to work independently as well as in a team. Excellent communication skills are important. The working language is English; knowledge of the German language would be an asset. The Universität zu Lübeck is an equal opportunities employer. Preference will be given to suitably qualified women or persons with disabilities, all other considerations being equal. Applications with cover letter, CV, and contact information of former supervisors should be sent as a single PDF to Jeanette Erdmann (jeanette.erdmann@iieg.uni-luebeck.de).

The “Institut für Integrative und Experimentelle Genomik” (director: Prof. Dr. Jeanette Erdmann) has been founded in January 2013 at the Universität zu Lübeck. We are using statistical/bioinformatical methods as well as functional studies to understand the mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. We are currently funded by the Leducq Foundation, the EU, BMBF, and DFG. We are part of the Excellence Cluster “Inflammation at Interfaces” and the DZHK. Furthermore, we are embedded in large consortia like CARDIoGRAM, CARDIoGRAMplusC4D and GIANT. Moreover, we are part of the local focus program “Medizinische Genetik”.
The zebrafish technology will be established in close collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institut für Marine Biotechnologie (http://www.emb.fraunhofer.de/) (director: Prof. Charli Kruse) in Lübeck.