Ph.D. Position in Small RNA Biology

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are indispensable components of the protein translation machinery. However recently, stress-induced and nuclease-mediated tRNA fragmentation has been discovered as an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon resulting in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) with the potential to impact various cellular functions. Both tRNAs and tsRNAs can associate with a multitude of cellular proteins, among them specific metabolic enzymes. The biological significance of these interactions remains unclear, but we hypothesize that tsRNAs could act as regulatory molecules, thereby enhancing or interfering with metabolic pathways.

For this Ph.D. thesis project, we are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate who would like to be part of a dynamic Research Group focusing on the biochemical characterization of the interactions between specific small RNAs and metabolic enzymes.

What we offer:

• an exciting academic environment with access to various technologies including recombinant protein expression and purification, enzymatic studies, next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene-editing, and fluorescent imaging approaches;

• participation in an FWF-funded doctoral program (https://rna-core.org/), which includes 12 research groups, located in the Vienna area and working on RNA-related problems;

• salary paid according to the standard personal cost scheme by the FWF (https://www.fwf.ac.at/fileadmin/Website/Dokumente/Foerdern/6_Schritte/Weitere_Informationen/fwf-personnelcosts_PROFI_2023.pdf);

• a time-limited contract (4 years, 30 hours a week) for the successful applicant, which can be extended.

Required qualifications:

• university degree (extended B.Sc. or M.Sc.) in a field or subject area with chemical-biological relevance

What we expect:

• An open-minded and proactive candidate who is interested in solving problems;

• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques;

• Ability to do simple math, especially calculus for preparing the required chemical solutions and for setting-up enzyme/substrate reactions;

• Self-reliance when planning experiments, meticulous recording of data, and the ability to independently evaluate experimental results;

• Fluent in both spoken and written English.

Starting date: Immediately

Please, apply by E-mail to: matthias.schaefer@meduniwien.ac.at, including two reference letters.