The Institute of Molecular Biochemistry (IMB) is part of the Biocenter of the Medical University of Innsbruck. Our research groups are aiming at a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that build, maintain and repair cellular membranes. We are characterizing how the processes integrate with cellular lipid metabolism and how they are used to control cell–cell interactions. Defects lead to cellular damage that can result in human disease. We use a range of model organisms for genetic studies of membrane quality control at the molecular level, in combination with biochemical and cell biological approaches.

The Institute provides an international and dynamic environment for curiosity-driven students (MSc and PhD students) and postdoctoral fellows, with access to modern core facilities. Our PhD students are enrolled in the international MCBD (Molecular and Cellular Biology of Disease) PhD programme, and we coordinate the CBD Cellular Basis of Diseases (DOC82) doc.funds programme, which is funded by the FWF (DOC82). We are partners in two FWF-funded research groups on ‘Organelle proteostasis in cellular quiescence and growth’ (FG20) and ‘Damage & repair of membrane lipids in health and diseases’ (FG15).

It is our mission to understand how cells maintain a proper membrane protein and lipid composition, which is essential for human health – if you are interested in joining our team, please contact us!