The working group of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Polzin, Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, University Hospital Düsseldorf, offers a PhD position (Dr. rer. nat.) for a highly motivated candidate with dedicated interest in cardiovascular science, especially physiology and pharmacotherapy.
Our research group specializes in improving cardioprotection by understanding the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure and aortic stenosis and finding targets to intervene in these mechanisms. Platelets and (sphingo-)lipids such as sphingosine-1-phosphate and eicosapentaenoic acid are key components. Additive mechanisms of action of antiplatelet therapy (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid) and anticoagulants (e.g. rivaroxaban) are currently being investigated. - Learning of a variety of above-mentioned techniques and perform them autonomously
- Modification and adaptation of known methods into new protocols
- Involvement in the writing of animal experimentation proposals and funding proposals
- Encouragement to not only contribute to but also plan new projects or sub-projects self-initiated
- High appreciation of teamwork and personal involvement into our working group beyond every-day lab work
- The duration of the PhD program is scheduled for three years (36 months) from February 2025 - Excellent university degree (master or diploma) in scientific subject (pharmacy, biology, chemistry, bio-physics etc.)
- Principal skills and knowledge of laboratory techniques
- Profound language skills in English and German (at least level B2-C1), both written and spoken
- Profound experience with MS Office (especially Word, Excel, Power Point)
- Not mandatory but helpful: Experience with SPSS, GraphPad Prism, G*Power statistical software, Endnote
- Not mandatory but preferable: Previous work with experimental animals (especially mice) and willingness to work with them
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- High level of motivation, flexibility, autonomy, reliability and resilience - An international and multidisciplinary team of physicians, medical doctors, Post-docs, PhD students, medical students and technical assistants
- A brand new state-of-the-art cardiovascular research laboratory, located on the campus of the University Hospital Düsseldorf
- Modern techniques and equipment in molecular biology and analytics (e.g. Bioflux® flow chamber, cell culture, Western Blot, enzymatic assays, PCR, BD FACS® System)
- Murine in-vivo and ex-vivo experiments (wire injury for aortic stenosis, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, Langendorff isolated perfused heart system, Vevo® Ultrasound/Echocardiography, histological techniques, in-vivo microscopy)
- A structured educational program via iGRAD (Interdisciplinary Graduate and Research Academy Düsseldorf)
- Participation in national and international congress with presentation of research results
- Contribution to high-ranking international cardiovascular and internal medicine journals for publication of findings
--> references: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/amin.polzin.1/bibliography/public/
The PhD position is available on a full-time basis. The salary corresponds to TVL-E13 65% (States' Tariff Agreement). The position is to be filled for a fixed period of 36 months.