Graduiertenkolleg 1208 "Hormonal Regulation of Energy Metabolism, Body Weight and Growth"

Ausschreibung Stipendien

The DFG-funded International Research Training Group in Molecular Endocrinology, Berlin, kindly invites applications from highly qualified and motivated individuals for the

fourth generation of students since 2005.

International Research and Training Group

(Graduiertenkolleg GRK 1208/2)

“Hormonal Regulation of Energy Metabolism, Body Weight and Growth”

The following positions starting from Oct 1, 2011 or later are available:

3 scholarships for PhD students, 3 scholarships for MD students and 2 qualifying scholarships

for candidates with above-average, excellent qualifications in life sciences or medicine.

The research and study program is linked to the Humboldt Graduate School (HGS) Berlin network (www.humboldt-graduate-school.de). The structured training program for PhD doctoral students aims for academic grades in 3 years, and projects are closely linked to peer-reviewed research programs and networks such as the DFG Clinical Research Group KFO 218. Successful candidates decide for one of the following currently available positions in the research projects of the Clinical and Basic Science Research Teams (details see website):

PhD position: G. Brockmann: Genetics & Obesity

TP 2 Molecular mechanisms leading to a distortion of hormonal regulation and energy imbalance as a result of selection and excessive energy supply in the Berlin Fat Mouse line: In this project, the target region will be further fine mapped and candidate genes will be functionally analyzed by gene targeting using IPS cells.

PhD position: A. Schürmann Glucose & energy homeostasis

TP 7 Regulation of whole-body glucose and energy homeostasis: We are looking for a motivated and skilful PhD student with a BSc/MSc in biology, biochemistry or nutritional science who is interested in the pathophysiolgy of type 2 diabetes. In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, pancreatic beta-cells adapt to insulin resistance by increasing mass and function. As nutrient excess persists, hyperglycemia and elevated free fatty acids negatively impact beta-cell function. We are studying the molecular bases of lipoglucotoxicity which finally results in beta-cell failure.

PhD position: H. Krude: Epigenetic regulation of body weight & metabolism

TP 9 Epigenetic regulation of body weight and metabolism: We are looking for a motivated PHD student with a BSc/MSc in biological science. Our research is focussed on the epigenetic regulation of body weight within the hypothalamus.

The MD positions can be linked to any subproject of the programme

2 qualifying scholarships

DFG-funded and associated teams participating in this training, teaching and research network are located at the Charité (www.charite..de/) Campus CBF, CCM or CVK, of the Humboldt and the Free University, the German Institute of Human Nutrition, Rehbrücke (DIfE; www.dife.de) and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin Buch (MDC; http://www.mdc-berlin.de).

The interdisciplinary research, study and training program in English language comprises molecular, cellular & clinical endocrinology, pediatric & developmental endocrinology, endocrine epidemiology & pharmacology, genetics, nutrition and metabolism research.

The central idea of this program is to connect research on hormonally regulated processes of differentiation and adaptation to changing requirements of nutrition, environment, and exogenous factors including therapy. Mutual interactions between fine-tuned differentiation-dependent, age-adapted and disease-associated hormonal networks will be examined. To achieve these aims, the introduction of new model organisms and innovative methods and the application of established research principles and procedures of hormone research are required. Novel techniques and tools of molecular biology, genetics, biostatistics, and approaches involving meta-analysis of research data will be employed.

For admission diploma, Staatsexamen or equivalent qualifications, e.g. M.Sc., obtained at German or foreign universities are recognized. PhD scholarships can be awarded for up to 3 years. The stipends amount up to 1470 € (PhD) or 770 € (MD) per month, and, if applicable, children supplement (400 €) are granted. Applicants under 28 years of age are preferentially enrolled. Advanced medical undergraduates with excellent qualifications are invited to apply for participation in the program as “research students” (up to 40 hours/month for a maximum of 12 months: “MD scholarship”). 2 qualifying scholarships will provide the chance to prepare and train for the PhD track within 12 months.

For detailed information on projects and curriculum, please, visit the homepage of GRK 1280: http://www.endogk.de/

Deadline for applications is August 31, 2011. Please indicate your project priorities and send your application as one pdf file (including curriculum vitae, credentials, certificates, 2 letters of recommendation, synopsis of diploma/master thesis) to the coordinators office:

Prof. Dr. J. Köhrle (coordinator: Mrs. Angelika Althaus), e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

ENDO ESE International Endocrine Scholars Programme (IESP) - 2012

Following the success of the 2011 ENDO ESE International Endocrine Scholars Programme (IESP), we are pleased to announce that the programme will continue in 2012.

The IESP is aimed at promoting the career development of young endocrinologists from around the globe by identifying talented young investigators and offering them an exceptional training experience. The purpose of the programme is to select highly qualified candidates who wish to gain training for a period of 2-3 years in an outstanding laboratory. The training focuses on laboratory-based research. Clinically qualified candidates could have an additional clinical observer status, if relevant, however, clinical training is not part of the program.

Full details of the IESP and application process can be found on the ESE website via the link below. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2011.

ENDO ESE IESP website

EMBO Long-term Fellowships

Via www.rdfunding.org.uk. The EMBO long-term fellowships are to support prolonged international visits (for 12 -24 months) and are intended for advanced training through research. Applicants must hold doctorate degree or equivalent before the start of the fellowship, and have at least one first author publication. The fellowship is aimed at younger scientists with a maximum of 4 years post doctoral experience. All fellowships must be started within one calendar year of the relevant closing date for applications.

Applicants from outside the EMBC member countries who wish to go to a laboratory in a member country are now eligible to apply. The next closing date for applications is 15 August 2011. For further information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click on the link below.