Department of Molecular Biosciences
- Application deadline 07.05.2025
- Salary Category B1 without PhD
- Salary per Year (Full Time) € 52,007.20
- Employment Start As soon as possible
- Hours per week 30 h/w
- Duration of Contract Temporary employment
- Temporary Employment 1 Year with option of extension
Your Responsibilities
MetAGE PhD Position: Altered adipocyte lipolysis and its impact on healthy aging
- Conduct and write a dissertation in the field of energy and lipid metabolism at the University of Graz supervised by Dr. Renate Schreiber within the Cluster of Excellence “MetAGE” focused on improving our molecular understanding of pathophysiology of aging-associated metabolic disorders with a special focus on adipose tissue metabolism.
- Perform experiments and data analyses
- Plan and evaluate scientific experiments independently
- Present and discuss data at regular internal and external meetings as well as (inter)national conferences
- Publication in internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals
- Co-supervision of students working on Bachelor’s or Master’s niveau
- Opportunity to perform part of the project in a host laboratory abroad
Your Profile
- Completed diploma or master’s degree in the area of life sciences or natural sciences
- Eligible as a graduate student at the University of Graz, Austria
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology
- Ideally, practical knowledge of working with mouse models. Specifically, practical experience in the isolation and cultivation of primary adipocytes, experience in working with radioisotopes (desirable).
- High level of commitment, personal initiative, and self-motivation for scientific work
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
- High degree of personal responsibility and ability to cooperate
- Excellent social skills and ability to work in a team
The following documents are required for a complete application:
- Motivation letter, including a ranking if multiple PhD projects are of interest
- Academic CV including abstract of your Master Thesis
- Proof of completion of the required degree as stated in the job posting
Hearing 23rd June 2025 in Graz
Project description:
Background: Energy is stored primarily in adipocytes in intracellular lipid droplets as triacylglycerol and is mobilized upon need in a process termed lipolysis catalyzed by two major enzymes: adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase [1]. Increased adipocyte lipolysis is associated with detrimental effects causing cellular and subsequent tissue dysfunction. But also decreased lipolysis is implicated to be a key driver for unhealthy aging. Remarkably, in mouse models, both low and high adipocyte lipolysis have shown beneficial metabolic effects [2–4].
Hypothesis and Objectives: We propose that altered adipocyte lipolysis will improve metabolic health during aging. To explore the role of adipocyte lipolysis upon aging, the PhD candidate will study genetically modified mouse models.
Methodology: The PhD student will study mouse models upon genetic and pharmacological inhibition of lipases upon high caloric diet feeding and aging. To genetically mimic caloric restriction, a transgenic mouse line transiently overexpressing ATGL will be generated and studied. The metabolic effects of fasting regimen(s) in these transgenic lines will be investigated. To gain mechanistic insights, omics (transcript, protein, lipid) together with biochemical and functional analyses will be performed in bulk adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes. Plasma and biopsies will be studied from a young/aged human subpopulation upon pharmacological inhibition of lipolysis and different interventions to mimic fasting.
References:
1. Schweiger, M. and Schreiber R. et al. Adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase are the major enzymes in adipose tissue triacylglycerol catabolism. J. Biol. Chem. 281, 40236–40241 (2006).
2. Schreiber, R. et al. Hypophagia and metabolic adaptations in mice with defective ATGL-mediated lipolysis cause resistance to HFD-induced obesity. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 112, 13850–13855 (2015).
3. Ahmadian, M. et al. Adipose overexpression of desnutrin promotes fatty acid use and attenuates diet-induced obesity. Diabetes 58, 855–866 (2009).
4. Schreiber, R., Xie, H. & Schweiger, M. Of mice and men: The physiological role of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Biochim. Biophys. Acta - Mol. Cell Biol. Lipids 1864, 880–899 (2019).
We offer an annual gross salary of € 52,007.20 for a fulltime position.
About us
At the University of Graz, 4700 employees work together on future questions and solutions for the world of tomorrow. Our students and researchers take on the major challenges of society and share their knowledge. We work for tomorrow. Be part of it!
The candidate will be part of the Department of Biochemistry at the Institute of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Graz, Austria. He/shewill work within a multidisciplinary team of basic and clinical scientists as part of the excellence cluster "MetAGE." The institute offers state-of-the-art laboratories and central research facilities. Our goal is to provide inspiring, supportive, and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and strong scientific environment.
Contact
Project Manager | MetAGE
Lukas Pein, BSc MSc I [email protected]
Institute Website
The University of Graz strives to increase the proportion of women in particular in management and faculty positions and therefore encourages qualified women to apply. In the event of underrepresentation, women with equal qualifications are generally given priority for admission. We welcome applications from persons with disabilities who meet the requirements of the advertised position.
Please note that in order to comply with the applicable data protection regulations, we can only accept applications via our web-based applicant tool for this vacant position.
We work for tomorrow. Join us!
