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Work Area: Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research) and Institute of Medical Microbiology
Job ID: 11709
Start Date: 01.01.2025 at the earliest, but no later than 01.04.2025
Work Scope: Part-time employment / 25,025 h
Contract Type: Temporary
Contract duration: 42 month from employment, until 30.09.2028 at the latest; in accordance
with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG The position is based at the Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research) and the Institute of Medical Microbiology (PIs: Prof. Dr. Verena Jendrossek and Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Westendorf), linked to focus area T2 of GRK 2762, “Role of the host microbiota in radiation-induced lung toxicity.”
Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, but its effectiveness is limited by radiation-induced lung toxicity, stemming from abnormal healing responses to lung irradiation. This toxicity includes radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis in acute and late phases, with growing evidence suggesting a link between the gut microbiota and RT response and toxicity. This project aims to explore whether thoracic RT alters lung and gut microbiota, the role of these changes in RT-induced lung injury, and if the microbiome can be manipulated to affect disease progression. We will also investigate bacterial metabolites involved in these processes.
Talented and enthusiastic candidate with high interest in the research topic of GRK 2762
Strong Diploma/Master degree in Cell or Molecular Biology, Experimental Medicine, Radiation Biology, or related fields
High motivation and commitment for active cross-disciplinary collaboration
Fluent in spoken and written English (knowledge of German is not a requirement)
disposed to work with laboratory animals
Very good skills in independent working, organization, communication, and team work
Active participation in the RTG program
The GRK 2762 provides an internationally-oriented, interdisciplinary research and training environment for graduates in experimental or computational life sciences and (bio)medicine interested in cancer research and computational biology. (http://www.uni-due.de/med/forschung/grk2762/index.shtml).
Innovative cross-disciplinary scientific training for PhD and MD students at the interface between radiation biology and oncology, precision medicine, and computational biology
Training in transferable academic and soft skills
Funding for active participation in workshops and conferences and international visits to collaboration partners
Regular supervision and mentoring
Excellent career opportunities
Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards
Family-friendly corporate culture
General conditions:
The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal prerequisites.
The University Hospital Essen is an equal opportunity employer. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply.
The participation in secondary employment depends on the „Hochschulnebentätigkeitsverordnung“ of North-Rhine Westphalia.
Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.