PhD candidate - Organoid-based Cell therapy for COPD (f/m/x)
Full time39 h/week
Neuherberg near Munich
We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.
Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.
Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.
This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide. The limited symptomatic therapeutic options available and the absence of a causative treatment that can reverse the progression of COPD highlight a significant unmet medical need for novel therapeutics.
This PhD position is jointly held by the Yildirim/Conlon & Funk labs and benefits from the longstanding experience in preclinical COPD models and immunotherapy of the Yildirim/Conlon lab and the expertise in organoid technology of the Funk lab. This position aims to develop an organoid-based cell therapy for COPD. To this end, organoids will be transplanted into the lungs of preclinical models of COPD to replace damaged lung epithelium. To make this therapy as efficient and sustainable as possible, the organoids will be engineered so that they can persist in the COPD characteristic inflammatory environment and have a therapeutic effect, e.g. on immune cells.
You will be using cutting-edge methods, including pre-clinical animal models of COPD, organoid cultures, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, multi-omics, single cell, as well as traditional molecular and cell biological approaches. Project-relevant literature of the labs: PMID: 33149305 PMID: 38113852 PubMed: 38055196
The position is to be filled by 01/01/2025.
"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."
Your tasks
- Work with lung organoids generated from primary mouse cells
- Engineer organoids
- Transplant organoids in preclinical COPD mouse models
- Analyze cell therapy/organoid transplantation by histopathology, imaging, and flow cytometry
- Conduct gene expression analysis
- Perform in vitro and ex vivo cell culture assays with cell lines and primary cells
- Manage projects, including data analysis, quality assurance, monitoring, and writing reports and publications
Your profile
- Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, immunology, molecular bioengineering or related area
- Very good practical experience and theoretical knowledge of standard cell and molecular biology techniques
- Profound practical experience in (primary) cell culture; & experience with organoids (is an advantage)
- Previous experience with animal (mouse) models
- Passion for science, innovation and creative and independent work
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable qualifications
- Experimental experience with CRISPR/Cas9 system is advantageous but not crucial
- FELASA B or equivalent certificate is advantageous but not crucial
Benefits
- Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
- Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
- Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
- Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
- International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.
Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference. If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
Interested in applying?
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
