Master Thesis Project: Epitope mapping of tau repeat-domain antibodies and functional characteriz...

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Tau aggregation and propagation are key features of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. In this project, we will further characterize tau-specific antibodies reported to recognize low-n tau oligomers, with the aim of mapping their epitopes within the tau repeat domain (RD).

The student (f/m/x) will express different tau RD deletion constructs, such as variants lacking individual repeat regions, in HEK cells and assess antibody binding by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. If time permits, selected regions will be further analyzed by mutagenesis for finer epitope mapping.

In parallel, the same tau RD constructs will be tested for their ability to undergo seed-induced aggregation following exposure to exogenous tau seeds. This will initially be assessed using sedimentation assays. If time permits, stable cell lines expressing selected constructs may be generated by lentiviral transduction for image-based tau seeding assays.

Methods and techniques the student will learn:

• Mammalian cell culture of HEK cells
• Transient transfection of tau RD constructs
• Optional: lentiviral transduction and generation of stable cell populations
• Western blotting for tau construct expression and antibody binding
• Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy
• Epitope mapping using deletion constructs
• Optional: site-directed mutagenesis for finer epitope mapping
• Biochemical sedimentation assays to separate soluble and insoluble tau fractions
• Image-based aggregation assays and quantification, if stable cell lines are generated

• BSc degree in Biology, Neurobiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Currently enrolled at a university and eligible to complete an MSc thesis as part of the degree program.

• Previous experience with basic molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting, protein analysis, or related laboratory methods.

• Previous cell culture experience is preferred but not essential.

• Good written and spoken English communication skills.

• Careful, reliable, and well-organized approach to experimental work.

• Enthusiasm for scientific research and willingness to learn new techniques.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.

• Good time-management skills and attention to detail.

• Motivation, curiosity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Our lab is located at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and focuses on studying intercellular transmission of pathogenic protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. The student will have the opportunity encounter to state-of-the-art methods used to investigate aggregate propagation, cellular models of neurodegeneration, and disease-relevant protein aggregation. The position offers the opportunity to work as part of an active research team and contribute to ongoing scientific projects

For further questions regarding the advertised project, please contact Dewan Al Fahad ([email protected]).

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

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The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.

The profile of the Helmholtz Association

The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.

Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.

Promoting young academics

Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.

The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group , for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.

Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .

The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.

All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.

Company info

Telephone

0049-30-206329-0

Location

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany