PhD student position

Research area:

We are seeking a highly motivated early career researcher for an open PhD student position in the Blanco-Redondo Lab at Leipzig University. The successful candidate will work on a DFG-funded project aimed to elucidating the signaling mechanisms of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) Remoulade in Drosophila melanogaster. Adhesion GPCRs constitute a fascinating but poorly understood receptor family with key roles in development, nervous system function, and disease. Due to their unusual activation mechanisms and pharmacological tractability, aGPCRs are emerging as important targets in modern cell biology and biomedical research. Dysfunction of aGPCR signaling has been linked, for example, to cancer, underscoring the relevance of this receptor family.

Topic of position:

The PhD project will focus on the structure–function relationship and signaling pathways of the Drosophila adhesion GPCR Remoulade, a homolog of the vertebrate receptor ADGRA2/Gpr124. The project combines genetic, cell biological, biochemical, and imaging approaches to investigate how Remo is processed, activated, and coupled to intracellular signaling pathways. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying proteolytic processing events, characterizing extracellular and intracellular interaction partners, reconstituting downstream signaling cascades in cell-based systems, and validating their functional relevance in vivo using established behavioral and neuroanatomical assays. Together, these studies aim to establish Drosophila as a powerful model to dissect conserved signaling mechanisms of the ADGRA receptor family.

Requirements:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a biomedical or life science discipline such as biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular or cell biology, neuroscience, or a related field. Prior experience with Drosophila genetics, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy, or immunohistochemistry is advantageous but not required, as comprehensive training will be provided. The position is funded according to the German public service salary scale TV-L EG 13 (65%).

Research environment:

The successful candidate will join an internationally oriented and highly collaborative research environment at the Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry within the Faculty of Medicine at Leipzig University. The institute offers access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell culture, Drosophila genetics, and advanced imaging, including confocal and super-resolution microscopy. The project is embedded in strong national and international collaborations and provides excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training and professional development. Leipzig University is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and a family-friendly working environment and actively supports early career researchers throughout their doctoral training.