PhD Student (gn*) Biological Sciences
Fixed-term of 3 years | Part-time witch 65 % | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institute for Experimental Pathology | Job ID: 10520
We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.
To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise at the Institute for Experimental Pathology based at the Center for Inflammation Research at the University of Münster - ideally with you on board!
PROECT TITLE:
Altered production, dynamics, and function of neutrophils are hallmarks of inflammageing
THE INSTITUTE AND PROJECT:
The Institute for Experimental Pathology is led by Oliver Soehnlein. His work focuses on the importance of neutrophils in acute and chronic inflammation (Soehnlein et al., Sci Transl Med, 2011; Ferraro et al., JACC, 2019; Silvestre-Roig et al., Nature, 2019; Schumski et al., Circulation, 2021). Central to the group's mechanistic understanding of how neutrophils promote chronic, sterile inflammation is its interplay with antigen presenting cells, predominantly macrophages (Soehnlein & Lindbom, Nat Rev Immunol, 2010; Soehnlein et al., Nat Rev Immunol, 2017; Soehnlein & Libby, Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2021). It is a key feature of the group's work to unveil thus far unknown mechanistic details which are then translated towards innovative preclinical intervention strategies (Alard et al., Sci Transl Med, 2015; Silvestre-Roig et al., Nature, 2019), some of which have been patented. In this project, altered mechanisms of granulopoiesis and dysregulated neutrophil functions in ageing will be investigated. Our group is highly interdisciplinary, international, and uses state-of-the-art techniques spanning a broad range from immunology, cell and molecular biology, (spatial) single cell omics and bioinformatics. The project is embedded in national and international consortia on neutrophils and inflammation and funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung.
Design and conduct experiments utilizing state-of-the-art approaches such as:
Animal models of neutrophil biology and ageing
Flow cytometric analysis of immune cell populations from murine tissues using full spectrum flow cytometry
Immunohistological staining and imaging of tissue sections using multiplexed immunohistochemistry
Biochemical assays for cytokines and other inflammatory mediators
Collaborate closely with colleagues across disciplines to integrate findings into a comprehensive model of ageing
Analyze data, interpret results, and present conclusions through high-quality publications, presentations, and reports
Contribute to manuscript preparation
Participate actively in departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences
MSc degree in Biological Sciences
Strong background in immunology and/or ageing biology
Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Flow cytometry-based phenotyping and sorting
Immunofluorescence microscopy and histopathological evaluation
Statistical programming languages like R or Python
Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in German desirable but not required
Willingness to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects
Willingness to participate in ongoing training programs to enhance expertise and stay up to date with latest methodologies
Competitive salary according to TV-L E13 scale, initially limited to three years
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, pension plan, and family support services
Access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and resources
Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and international collaboration
Supportive environment fostering creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange
BENEFITS
Exciting Projects
Professional Development and Training
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Part of Research Innovation
Additional Benefits