Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Master of Science (MSc) in Biology

Hiring Organization:
German Primate Center

Date Posted:
2013-01-15

Position Description:
The German Primate Center GmbH – Leibniz-Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen is a primate research and competence center that does basic research. It concentrates on three main areas named Organismic Primate Biology, Infection Research and Neurosciences. The DPZ maintains four field stations to do research on and with primates. Furthermore it is one of 86 research and infrastructure establishments of the Leibniz-Institute (http://www.wgl.de/).

The main interest of the Pathology Unit, headed by Prof. Dr. Kaup, is centered on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases in nonhuman primates (NHPs). A relatively new working group within the Pathology Unit focuses on sexually transmitted diseases in wild nonhuman primates of Africa.

Starting immediately, is offering positions for

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) IN BIOLOGY

SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE TO THE INFECTION WITH TREPONEMA PALLIDUM IN NATURALLY INFECTED OLIVE BABOONS (PAPIO ANUBIS)

Hypothesis:
- Immunoglobuline profiles can be used to distinguish different stages of T. pallidum infection in naturally infected olive baboons

Objectives:
- Characterisation of the immune response of T. pallidum infected olive baboons from Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania
- Comparison of immunoglobuline subclass profiles with available data from human syphilis (T. p. ssp. pallidum) and yaws (T. p. ssp. pertenue) infection

Background information:
In humans antibody or CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells are relatively ineffective in clearing syphilitic infections or in controlling progression of lesions. Instead, the strength of delayed-type hypersensitivity, which is mediated by CD4+ T-cells, is of particular importance. The composition of the four IgG subclasses is known to change over the course of human infections, but virtually nothing is known about IgG responses in simian infections. The ability to compare the immune reaction of simian strains, in combination with our understanding of T. pallidum associated clinical manifestations and immunopathobiology in human and non-human primates (NHPs), may provide further information about the pathogenesis of an ancient and stealthy pathogen. Simian strains may represent a missing link, which can provide insight into syphilis’s evolution.

Qualifications/Experience:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology or related field
- Enrolment at University (Masterstudiengang)
- Good knowledge of English

The appointment at the DPZ follows the applied regulations of civil service. In case of equal qualifications several disabled persons are preferred.
Please send in your written application including all certificates until the 18th of December under key word ”Infektionspathologie” to Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH – Leibniz Institut für Primatenforschung – Personnel Office – Kellnerweg 4 – 37077 Göttingen or via mail to bewerbung@dpz.eu.
For further information see http://www.dpz.eu or phone 0049 551 / 3851-259.

Application Deadline:
31-01-2013

Contact Information:
Sascha Knauf, DVM PhD
Kellnerweg 4
Göttingen 37077
Germany

Telephone Number:
0049 551 3851 259

Fax Number:
0049 551 3851 442

Website:
http://www.dpz.eu/en/unit/pathology-unit/about-us.html

E-mail Address:
Sknauf@dpz.eu