PhD candidate (f/m/x): Nanoparticle-triggered Virus Reactivation
Full time39 hrs/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?
Increased levels of air pollution have been associated with the development of chronic lung diseases. Viral infections, another unavoidable environmental challenge, are also suspected to contribute to chronic lung disease development. Recent experimental studies from our group - the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity - have shown that repetitive exposure of mouse lungs, latently infected with a murine γ-herpesvirus, triggered virus reactivation and subsequently induced lung injury and emphysema (DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04111). While we observed that virus reactivation is mainly caused in infiltrating monocytes, we now would like to better understand how this contributes mechanistically to the observed lung tissue damage. The task of the here announced thesis shall be to investigate the initiation of this pathological process in more detail using mouse and respective cell models.
"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
- Immunohistological analysis of mouse lungs with a focus on infiltrating immune cells
- Data mining in existing gene expression studies
- Development of in vitro models to study the pathological mechanisms caused by virus reactivation
- Documentation of results and preparation of presentations and manuscripts
Your profile
- Solid background in molecular cell biology and immunology, e.g. Master's degree in biology, immunology, or similar
- Enthusiasm for microscopical analysis
- Interest in gene expression analysis and data mining
- Experience with organoid cultures would be of advantage
- Creativity and a strong ability for problem solving through analytical thinking
Desirable Qualifications
- Enthusiasm for scientific research
- Good communication skills, fluent English
- Ability for teamwork
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?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
