SFB 80: RNA-DECO
Decorating RNA
for a purpose

To date, more than 150 natural RNA modifications have been identified. However, the function and interplay among RNA modifications remains enigmatic.
The Vilardo lab investigates RNA modifications in tRNAs, the key adaptor molecules between gene expression and protein translation. We use biochemistry, genome editing by Crispr/Cas9, and Next Generation Sequencing to investigate tRNA modifications and the enzymatic pathways responsible for modifications.
As part of the special research focus program RNA-Deco, we collaborate within a network of top RNA research laboratories across Austria.

If you are a highly motivated student in biology, biotechnology or similar subjects, and are interested to join our group at the Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology of the Medical University of Vienna, please send curriculum vitae,
motivation letter and a recommendation letter to:
elisa.vilardo@meduniwien.ac.at

The SFB 80 RNA-DECO (www.rna-deco.org) is looking for part-time support to coordinate the special research program on RNA modifications.
The coordination position will:

• Coordinate joint activities of 12 research groups from the Vienna and Innsbruck areas
• organize retreats and seminars with the participating research groups
• organize scientific meetings
• administer and optimize internal and external communication
• maintain the web page and other outreach activities
• help with advertising and hiring personnel
• organize the purchasing of research equipment
• administer the project reporting and follow-up application

The qualified person should be trained in the sciences (Masters or Ph.D.), be fluent in English (written and spoken), and have proficient communication skills in German. Administrational skills are required.
Salary will be according to your qualifications following FWF schemes (a combination with lab-related work is possible)
The position is located at the Center of Anatomy & Cell Biology of the Medical University of Vienna (1090 Vienna).

The position is open immediately and runs until March 2024 with the option of a four-year extension.

If interested please contact: Greeshma.Manjaly@meduniwien and Michael.Jantsch@meduniwien.ac.at no later than May 15th.

An EU-funded Ph.D. position is available in the lab of Michael Jantsch. The international training network (ITN) consists of a multinational team studying RNA modifications in a multidisciplinary approach. Secondments allow diverse training and research experiences at a competitive salary including family allowance.
The lab of Michael Jantsch studies adenosine deamination in mice which is one of the most abundant RNA modifications in mammals. Deamination of adenosines (A) leads to the formation of inosines (I). Inosines are interpreted as guanosines by most cellular machineries, including translation.
A to I editing is mediated by two enzymes, ADAR1 or ADAR2. While ADAR2 is mainly responsible for editing events that alter the coding of mRNAs or the function of small RNAs, ADAR1 acts as an antiviral protein. Interestingly, loss of ADAR1 leads to elevated interferon signaling and upregulation of the antiviral signals.
It will be the aim of this Ph.D. project to decipher the signals that trigger antiviral responses and to determine how the introduction of inosines prevents antiviral signaling (Fig 1).

Figure 1: Sensing of dsRNA by antiviral immune proteins. In the absence of A to I editing, dsRNA activates antiviral signaling by recruiting and activating the MDA5-MAVS signaling pathways. In the presence of inosines this pathway is suppressed. Currently, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.

The Division of Cell & Developmental Biology provides a stimulating atmosphere for RNA research with five research groups working on RNA modifications. The team is tightly linked to other Austrian RNA researchers via an RNA research network. The Division of Cell & Developmental Biology is located near the center of historic Vienna.

Interested candidates, please send their application including a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and two contacts for references to
Michael.Jantsch@meduniwien.ac.at under the reference “ROPES”
until March 30th 2021
For further information please visit:
ROPES: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/956810/de
https://www.rna-deco.org/
https://anatomieundzellbiologie.meduniwien.ac.at/group-jantsch