Position ArchiveA PhD position is available for a highly motivated person with a strong interest in studying pathogenic mechanisms in mouse models of bone loss. This project will investigate whether RANKL a) is a disease modulator in modeled inflammatory arthritis, b) affects the crosstalk between the immune and skeletal systems, and c) constitutes a valid target to prevent local and general bone loss. Within this project the PhD student will be trained in mouse genetics, animal models and welfare, basic and advanced immunological techniques including multiparameter flow cytometry, RANKL signaling analysis, evaluation of novel inhibitors ex vivo in RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis assays and in vivo using the RANKL transgenic models.
This project is implemented under the European FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network OSTEOIMMUNE ( http://www.osteoimmune.eu ). Osteoimmunology is an emerging supra-disciplinary field of research aiming at understanding the interactions between the bone and immune systems. The OSTEOIMMUNE consortium consists of 11 participants from 7 European Countries (Great Britain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Greece). The candidate's research activities at Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, will be supplemented by secondments at partner institutions of the OSTEOIMMUNE network. In addition the training includes the participation in workshops and summer schools organised by the OSTEOIMMUNE network.
The position will be available from February 1st, 2013 for a period of 36 months.
Marie Curie Fellows will enjoy benefits of full social security, health insurance, pension, vacation, etc. Competitive monthly living and mobility allowance, yearly travel allowance, a career exploratory allowance, and coverage of the expenses related to your participation in research and training activities (contribution to research-related costs, meetings, conference attendance, training actions, etc.). To learn more, go to http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/careers_en.htm
Requirements
The candidate should hold a masters degree or the equivalent in biomedicine, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or similar. Previous experience with animal work, molecular biology, biochemistry, flow cytometry or histology is a merit. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Prior experience in a research laboratory will be helpful. Fluency in English is essential.
You are required to satisfy the eligibility criteria for Marie Curie Early Stage Researchers: You have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree and are in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of your research career. This includes the period of research training, starting at the date of obtaining your degree, which would formally entitle you to embark on a doctorate either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the initial training activities are provided, irrespective whether or not a doctorate is envisaged.
You may not have resided or carried out your main activity in the Greece for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your appointment. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
Application process
Applicants should send a full CV (including research techniques experience) along with a short description of their qualifications/interests and the names of two referees (including address and e-mail) to Dr Eleni Douni (
The closing date for applications is the 10th of December 2012.
More lab information & publications at: http://www.fleming.gr/research/immunology/douni-lab