​The research group
Proteostasis of Aging and Stem Cells (Vilchez Lab)
is seeking applications from:
2 Postdoctoral fellows (f/m)
for a 5-year project committed to by the European Research Council (ERC).
 
 
Two Postdoc positions are available in the group of Dr. David Vilchez at the Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases-University of Cologne (CECAD).
Our group is interested in studying how human embryonic stem cells maintain the integrity of their proteome. Given the observation that embryonic stem cells replicate continuously in the absence of senescence, we hypothesize that these cells could provide a novel paradigm to study the regulation of proteostasis and its failure in aging. Our laboratory uses an innovative approach based on a combination of human stem cells research with genetic analysis in C. elegans and mouse models to uncover new mechanisms for extending longevity and healthspan.
The starting date is 01/04/2016 for an initial period of 2 years with the possibility to be extended up to 5 years in total. The salary will be according to TV-L13. For further information about our laboratory and the job offer, please contact Dr. David Vilchez and visit the Internet at:
http://vilchez.cecad-labs.uni-koeln.de/Home.545.0.html
http://vilchezlab.com
Location: The research environment in the Cologne campus is stimulating and dynamic, and offers many interactions with other groups interested in aging research and integration in the Cluster of Excellence in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD).
Qualification: The successful candidate must have a PhD in science (e.g., biology). We seek enthusiastic and highly motivated postdocs interested in stem cell and aging research. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Experience in stem cell research, C. elegans or mouse models is an advantage but not necessary. Applications from female scientists will be welcomed; suitably qualified women will be given preferential consideration unless other candidates clearly demonstrate superior qualifications. We also welcome applications from disabled candidates, who will also be given preferential consideration over other applicants with comparable qualifications.
How to apply:
Candidates should send before 01/03/2016:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Written summary of research achievements and research interests (max one page).
3. The contact details of three referees.

 
Applications should be sent by email as ONE pdf document to Dr. David Vilchez
([email protected]).

David Vilchez, a junior group leader of the CECAD Cluster of Excellence Cologne, was very successful in receiving one of the highly coveted ERC Starting Grants worth up to 1.5 million Euros. In the past years only 10- 15 percent of the applications have been funded. Dr. Vilchez uses innovative approaches to understand underlying mechanisms contributing to the aging process. The main goal of Dr. Vilchez’s research is to delay the loss of protein quality control associated to aging and age-related diseasesThe main focus of Dr. Vilchez’s research is to understand the loss of protein quality control during the aging process. Damaged and toxic proteins accumulate during the aging process, impairing cell function and tissue homeostasis. These perturbations to the quality of proteins contribute to age-related pathologies such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease. Dr. David Vilchez’s laboratory at CECAD uses an innovative approach based on a combination of human stem cell research with genetic analysis in a roundworm aging model to uncover new mechanisms for extending longevity and healthspan. Given the observation that embryonic stem cells replicate continuously in the absence of senescence, Dr. Vilchez hypothesized that these cells could provide a novel paradigm to study the regulation of proteostasis and its failure in aging. In his previous research, Dr. Vilchez found that embryonic stem cells have an incredible ability to degrade damaged proteins. Modulation of this degradation mechanism in an organism extends longevity and protect from the symptoms associated to Huntington’s disease.

The ERC Grant in funded by the European Commission and contributes to the awardee’s research costs over a period of 5 years. The ERC Starting Grant will allow Dr. Vilchez’s group to further investigate the impact of proteostasis in stem cells, aging and age-related diseases. By using this novel approach, the group of Dr. Vilchez will identify novel components of the proteostasis network. In addition to the financial aspect, the Grant is also a valuation of Dr. Vilchez’s research achievements and the CECAD vision to better understand the molecular aspects of the aging process.