Talk:TRACT

Open position - unique opportunities

In cancer metabolism, the importance of aerobic glycolysis and lactate accumulation is well established, and so is the pathophysiological relevance of hypoxia. Too little is known, however, about the effects of extracellular and intracellular pH on mitochondrial respiratory control. We have preliminary data that suggest opposite effects of pH on mitochondrial respiration in cancer versus benign cells, and the TRACT project should follow-up on this exciting topic.

We have two labs (Oroboros with 16 O2k instruments, and our lab at the Medical University with 8 O2k instruments), all equipped with the newest High-Resolution FluoRespirometry technology. Two labs – one team: fully interacting across the two labs, with visiting scientists joining us from all-over the world, gaining from and contributing to our expertise in Mitochondria and Cell Research. In our team not only the technological skills are taught and developed in mitochondrial physiology, we emphasize a top-level education in the fundamental theoretical basis of bioenergetics (The blue book; my EBEC abstract).

We are upgrading our team from August to September with four additional postdocs, who will contribute to the vibrating research atmosphere in our lab.

You will have access to our most recently developed and tested instrumental equipment.

The EBEC abstract by Timi gives some insights into the Q-sensor integrated into a new type of O2k. It has not yet been applied in cancer research. Redox regulation at the Q-junction fits perfectly the topic of the effects of pH and hypoxia on respiration and ROS production.
The EBEC abstract by Andras demonstrates our new software development for analysis of oxygen kinetics of mitochondrial respiration. Our measurements at the extremes of low oxygen towards anoxia are technologically unique and the method has now evolved into an easily applicable routine procedure. Using our more difficult software approach developed more than 20 years ago, we published a few papers on oxygen kinetics in cancer cells (see below). This can now be followed up with a fast way to obtain data relevant to evaluate cancer metabolism.

We proceed with prototype development for integrating measurements of NADH autofluorescence, cytochrome redox spectrophotometry, and ratiometric spectrofluorometry into our NextGen-O2k. Four NextGen-O2k prototypes are available in our lab but nowhere else in the world. Adding some measurements of NADH redox state to the above parameters respiration, ROS production, Q-redox state and mt-membrane potential yields a powerful analysis of mitochondrial respiratory states and rates, with good chances of high-level publication.
Collaboration with the group of Markus Keller is planned to be continued, fusing his advanced technique on cardiolipin analysis with our O2k technology.

TRACT supports participation in international conferences and outreach activities. We want to draw your attention to the next MitoEAGLE and MiPschool, where students are fully supported by MitoEAGLE:

Background about the project:TRACT is an international, inter-sectoral, multi-disciplinary project providing Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Fellowships to early stage researchers (ESRs) with the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow in cancer research. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research & innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 721906. TRACT will enable Fellows to discover novel insights into the molecular and cellular basis of oral and oesophageal cancer and generate new diagnostic tools and therapeutics that will improve patient response and survival. Fellows trained through the TRACT network will be uniquely positioned for careers in academia, industry or as entrepreneurs. More info: TRACT

Desirable criteria: Applicants should hold the necessary qualifications entitling them to undertake PhD study in Austria, and should possess a high standard of written and spoken English. The prospective PhD candidate should hold at least a MSc degree, or equivalent, in natural sciences or related disciplines. Relevant research experience is desirable. Furthermore, the candidate should have the following skills: team-player, self-organized, goal-oriented working style. Experience in methods of biochemistry, cell biology, bioenergetics and specifically in High-Resolution Respirometry (http://wiki.oroboros.at/index.php/High-Resolution_FluoRespirometry) is of benefit.

Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be in the first four years of their career post primary degree and must not yet hold a doctoral degree. TRACT is a mobility-based EU project and researchers are required to move country to commence their PhD training project. Applicants must not have been resident in the country where the ESR project is being hosted for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

Gross salary: 35,476 EUR/year incl. mobility allowance, + 6,000 EUR/year family allowance, if applicable

How to apply: Please include a covering letter which specifies your reasons for applying and your suitability as a candidate, a copy of your CV which describes your relevant research training and experience and copies of your degree transcripts in English. Two independent letters of recommendation have to be provided, if shortlisted for an interview. Send your application documents to [[1]]

Erich Gnaiger, Innsbruck, 2018-06-14