Unique doctoral program in chromosome dynamics –
applications welcomed until 15 March 2012

Understanding the molecular basis of how chromosomes retain their integrity and thus their functionality is of essential importance for health and human fertility - but also for industrial production, food production and agriculture. Genetic information, the blueprint of all living things, is encoded in DNA. This is located in the nucleus in the form of several compact units called chromosomes. Only intact chromosomes ensure that genetic information is preserved and passed on without loss. If DNA is not protected from everyday damage, if aging processes are not compensated for, or if chromosomes do not split properly during cell division, this can lead to severe problems for the entire organism.
 
International gap closed
The Campus Vienna Biocenter is home to a successful research cluster, consisting of research groups that focus their work on the biology of chromosomes. A doctoral program on this subject has, however, been lacking, not only in Austria, but also internationally. The new program in the field of chromosome biology will address this need.
 
The research topics covered by the program include DNA repair, chromosome movement and distribution, function of the telomeres, mitotic and meiotic cell division and the cell cycle. "The new generation of scientists will receive a sound education, becoming familiar with various model organisms, different experimental approaches, mindsets and perspectives," assured the spokesman of the program, Peter Schlögelhofer, of the Department of Chromosome Biology, University of Vienna.
 
Diverse learning opportunities
The combination of special seminars, lectures, workshops with international specialists, and the actual research work will provide excellent training for junior researchers. In addition, research visits abroad and participation in international congresses are encouraged.
 
The doctoral program in chromosome dynamics is the fourth doctoral program at the Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) and will start in September 2012. It is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and scientifically supported by the MFPL and the Gregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Austrian Academy of Sciences. The participating researchers are expecting a similar success to the existing programs: more than 25 applicants from around the world per place, with impressive achievements, qualifications and references.
 
The Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) is a joint research and training center of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, based at the Campus Vienna Biocenter.At the MFPL 530 scientists from 40 nations in more than 60 research groups are occupied with basic research in molecular biology.
 
Further information about the PhD program

Scientific contacts
Prof. Peter Schlögelhofer
Department of Chromosome Biology
Max F. Perutz Laboratories
University of Vienna
1030 Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 1
T +43-1-4277-562 40
peter.schloegelhofer(at)univie.ac.at
 
Marie-Therese Kurzbauer
Department of Chromosome Biology
Max F. Perutz Laboratories
University of Vienna
1030 Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 1
T +43-1-4277-56241
marie-therese.kurzbauer(at)univie.ac.at
 
Other enquiries
Georg Bauer
Communications
Max F. Perutz Laboratories
1030 Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9
T +43-1-4277-240 03
communications(at)mfpl.ac.at