PhD candidate - Metabolic driven epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells drives 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?
At the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity we explore the immunological mechanisms underlying chronic lung diseases such as COPD, lung fibrosis, asthma, lung cancer and the complications following lung transplantation. We want to translate our findings into preventative and therapeutic approaches for patients.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide with limited symptomatic therapeutic options available and no causative treatment able to reverse the progression of COPD, revealing a high unmet medical need for novel therapeutics and research avenues. The Yildirim laboratory is interested in the immunopathology of COPD and has recently identified a role for tertiary lymphoid organ development, as crucial to disease pathogenesis (Nature DOI:10.1038/s41586-020-2882-8) and the epigenetic regulation of immune recruitment to the lungs (Nat Commun DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28809-4).
"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
Modern lifestyle and health inequity encompassing western style dietary patterns increase the vulnerability to a variety of chronic diseases. There is clear epidemiologic evidence that these developments are a major risk factor for COPD. Crucially, recent studies have suggested that maladaptive trained immunity, a state of heightened responsiveness of innate immune cells, which is based on epigenetic innate immune memory following prior inflammtory challenge, may play a role in inflammatory disease comorbidity.
The aim of this position is therefore to characterize how metabolic driven epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells drives pathogenesis in COPD. You will be using cutting-edge methods including pre-clinical animal models of disease, multi-omics, single cell as well as traditional molecular and cell biological approaches.
- Analysis of preclinical animal models of COPD
- Flow cytometry of lung and other tissues
- Histopathology analysis and imaging
- Gene expression and analysis
- In vitro and Ex vivo cell culture assays, cell lines and primary cells
- Project management (Data analysis, quality assurance and monitoring, writing of reports and publications)
Your profile
- Master's degree in biology, immunology or related area
- Previous experience with cell culture techniques
- Previous flow cytometry experience
- Previous experience with molecular biological techniques
- 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
- Previous immunological experience advantageous but not crucial
- FELASA B or equivalent certificate 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?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
