Thesis

(online since: 04.09.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

Histomonosis of poultry is caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis. In turkeys the disease often causes high mortality compared to chickens. Studies on the adapted immune response against the disease revealed several peculiarities for the two closely related avian species. However, there is no information on the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) during the immune defense against H. meleagridis. Elucidating changes in TLR expressions during infection of immune cells of chickens reveals responses of the innate immune system and can contribute to understand the disease outcome.

Within this project, a diploma thesis is available for measuring TLR-expression by RT-qPCR using an in vitro system. The main objective is to understand the innate immune response of immune cells of chickens against parasite. Technically, you will be closely supervised and acquainted with the different molecular biology procedures.

Requirements:

• theoretical/basic knowledge of RT-qPCR or PCR

Further information:

none

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of thesis: 5 to 7 months
• Start: asap
• Language of thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Institute: University Clinic for Poultry and Fish
• Contact:
  Dieter Liebhart
  Send E-Mail to Dieter Liebhart
  T +43 1 25077-4728

(online since: 28.03.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

Males and females differ in many traits, including morphology, physiology and behavior. This sexual dimorphism is due to the difference in the reproductive roles of the two sexes. In our lab, we have evolved several fruit fly populations to a novel environment. This project tests the hypothesis that after more than one hundred generations in the lab, the two sexes have evolved in their sexual behavior, such as chasing, courtship or copulation. We will perform high-throughput behavioral phenotyping using real-time tracking system and automated behavior recognition approaches to identify and quantify behavioral differences. This project would give you opportunity to study behavior in an evolutionary framework.

Requirements:

• strong interest in sexual behavior and evolution
• interest to study complex behavior using state of the art computer based data analysis

Further information:

• The project includes training the student in culturing and phenotyping of flies
• The project is embedded in an international research team

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of thesis: 6 months
  
• Start: asap
• Language of thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Institute: Institute of Population Genetics
• Contact:
  Sheng-Kai Hsu, MSc
  Send E-Mail to Sheng-Kai Hsu
  T +43 1 25077-4339
  

(Online since 15.03.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

The mammalian oviduct hosts fertilization and the early embryonic development. Oviductal fluid molecules establish the favourable microenviroment that influence amongst others embryonal genome reprogramming and contribute further to the embryo development.Thus mimicking this micromilieu is a long-term goal to optimize in vitro culture systems and to increase embryo quality. In the present project we aim at (i) accessing the in vivo milieu by endoscopic technology and (ii) characterizing the function of these molecules in in vitro fertilization procedures in cattle.

Requirements:

Degree in Veterinary Medicine/ Medicine or Life Sciences

The project focuses on collection of bovine oviductal fluid samples, proteomics, in vitro production of embryos and immunohistochemical analyses. Interest and initial experience in one of these areas will therefore be paramount for the successful candidate.

Further information:

Reproduction Centre Wieselburg (RCW) and Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production (IFA Tulln) are located in Lower Austria.

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of the thesis: 3 years
  
• Start: asap
• Language of the thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Organisational Unit: Reproduktionszentrum Wieselburg und Institut für Biotechnologie in der Tierproduktion, IFA Tulln
• Contact person:
  Ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Urban Besenfelder; Dr. Corina Mayrhofer
  T +43 1 47654-97510
  Send E-Mail to Urban Besenfelder
  Send E-Mail to Corina Mayrhofer
  

(Thesis online since 31.07.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

measurements of the transport function of transmembrane proteins in artificial lipid membranes and giant liposomes

Requirements:

You studied Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Physics or Biophysical Chemistry, and you speak English fluently. You are interested in electrophysiological experiments, membrane biophysics, molecular biology and structure/function of mitochondrial proteins.

Further information:

30h/week.
Your additional responsibilities will be participation in collaborative projects and teaching of practical courses for students of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedicine.

Key data:

• Duration of thesis: up to 3-4 years
• Start: asap
• Language of thesis: English or German

Name of organisational unit/clinic/institute:

• Unit: Physiology and Biophysics
• Contact person:
  Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elena Pohl
  Send E-Mail to Elena Pohl
  T +43 1 25077-4570

(Thesis online since 31.07.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

Investigation of the function of mitochondrial membrane proteins and their involvement in cell metabolism, stem cell differentiation, cancer and inflammation/neuroinflammation

Requirements:

You studied Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Physics or Biophysical Chemistry, and you speak English fluently. You are interested in the investigation of the function of mitochondrial membrane proteins and their involvement in cell metabolism, stem cell differentiation, cancer and inflammation/neuroinflammation. Experience in fluorescence and confocal microscopy, cell culture maintenance, mitochondrial isolation, immohistochemistry and genetic techniques are of advantage.

Further information:

30 h/week.
Your additional responsibilities will be participation in collaborative projects and teaching of practical courses for students of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedicine.

Key data:

• Duration of thesis: up to 3-4 years
• Start: asap
• Language of thesis: English or German

Name of organisational unit/clinic/institute:

• Unit: Physiology and Biophysics
• Contact person:
  Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elena Pohl
  Send E-Mail to Elena Pohl
  T +43 1 25077-4570