CeMM is an international and interdisciplinary research Center in Molecular Medicine installed by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. `From the clinic to the clinic´: Driven by medical needs, CeMM integrates basic research and clinical expertise to pursue innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches focused on
cancer, inflammation and immune disorders. CeMM has a new tailor-made building at the center of the Vienna Medical University/General Hospital Campus and close to the
heart of the city. Vienna has been ranked the #1 city of the world in terms of quality of life.
THE 2012 CEMM PHD PROGRAM
For our next PhD Program starting in October 2012, we are looking for exceptionally motivated PhD candidates with a keen interest in genomics and medicine and a strong interest to work in teams. You will get the chance to work at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary molecular medicine research and to
be trained by the entire CeMM and associated faculty to become one of the scientists shaping the future of molecular medicine.
Requirements:
Final degree in the diploma studies of medicine, biology, chemistry or in any scientific/technical,
subject-relevant diploma studies (certificate needed before Oct 2012 to enrol into the PhD program). The working language at CeMM is English, so excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
Available Projects:
– Immunobiology of persistent viral infections (Ref: PhD ABergthaler)
– Resetting the leukaemia epigenome – an experimental approach (Ref: PhD CBock 1)
– Computational modelling of epigenetic defects in leukaemia (Ref: PhD CBock 2)
– DNA damage response and genomic instability (Ref: PhD JLoizou)
– Proteomics of the tumor suppressor network in myeloproliferative disorders
(Ref: PhD KBennett/RKralovics)
– Bioinformatics of disease networks in myeloid malignancies (Ref: PhD RKralovics)
– Transcription factor complexes in cancer (Ref: PhD GSuperti-Furga)
– Biocomputational analysis of systems drug response (Ref: PhD JColinge 1)
– Biomathematics and the dynamics of clonality in cancer (Ref: PhD JColinge 2)
– Chemical epigenetics in cancer (Ref: PhD SKubicek)
Additional Faculty:
DBarlow, CBinder, KBoztug, SKnapp, SNijman
working on epigenetic mechanisms, inflammation and atherosclerosis, genetics of immunodeficiencies and leukaemia, bacterial infections and host defense mechanisms, synthetic lethality and cancer vulnerability, innate immunity and anti-viral programs.
Candidates should submit:
a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, names and contact details of two suggested referees.
No letters of reference needed at the beginning. After a first selection round referees will be contacted by CeMM to fill out a specific evaluation form.
Please send your application documents (saved as PDF file), and using the reference code of your preferred project(s) (up to 3) in the subject line, to: PhD2012@cemm.at
Deadline for applications: 20 March 2012
Selection Process, Outlook:
21 March – 15 April: start of selection process, first ranking of applications by CeMM Faculty
15 April: 25-30 candidates will be invited for a hearing (2 full days), in parallel inquiry for evaluation forms for highly ranked candidates
15-16 May: tentative dates for the PhD hearing
31 May: official offers sent to Top PhD candidates
June – August: paperwork for visa application (if necessary), enrolment into PhD Program/registration at Medical University of Vienna
September: start of new PhD students at CeMM
October: Introductory lectures, followed by lab rotations
Structure of the CeMM PhD Program
The CeMM PhD program is a unique blend of practical training, lectures and mentoring that builds on the guidelines for PhD programs of CeMM’s home academic institution, the Medical University of Vienna. There is mandatory course work in the first year taking 6-7 hours per week, including basic seminars and propedeutics in molecular medicine, cell biology, and ethics, dissertation seminars and regular journal clubs. Informal CeMM work discussions are held every Friday and students will present their work on a regular basis.
1st Year
Lab rotations: 6 weeks in up to 3 labs at CeMM, getting to know the people and the science.
Kick-off lectures: given by a selection of prominent leaders, scientists and medical professors from the Viennese science and medical community and biotech industry.
Research proposal: on a topic that is not directly related to the students’ own research, but involves the research of at least 2 CeMM groups. The best proposal is awarded a prize.
2nd Year
Thesis proposal: in accordance with the Medical University of Vienna guidelines.
Symposium: The CeMM PhD students will be encouraged to invite speakers of their choice, and host the talks and mediate discussion.
3rd Year
Thesis defense: is required to yield at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
