Our mission as research center: Discover personalized medical solutions for environmentally triggered diseases to promote a healthier society in a rapidly changing world.

The Research Unit Translational Immunology and the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) joined forces to investigate the pathophysiology of chronic lung diseases using CRISPR-mediated gene editing and human iPSC-derived alveolar organoids.

The proposed project focuses on STAT3-hyper-IgE syndrome (STAT3-HIES). STAT3-HIES is a congenital disease that causes a high susceptibility to life-threatening infections, particularly of the lungs. So far, a profound understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of chronic lung disease is missing.
To study alveolar function, regeneration and the benefits of gene repair in a STAT3-HIES alveolar organoid model we are looking for a

PhD candidate in organoid-based lung disease modeling (f/m/x) 101617

Full time

Neuherberg near Munich

PhD

Your mission

Perform gene editing of patient iPSCs using an established protocol (Eberherr et al. CRISPRJ 2021)
Differentiate patient and corrected iPSCs into functional alveolar organoids
Assess cellular mechanisms and the beneficial effect of gene repair in an organoid model of STAT3-HIES with a focus on alveolar function (STAT3 dependent gene and protein expression, lamellar body biology, and surfactant biosynthesis)
Functional analysis of the regenerative potential (wound healing, transdifferentiation)

Your qualifications

Master or equivalent in one of the life sciences with wet-lab experience
Ideally you have experience in cell culture techniques, particularly iPSC culture
Experience in stem cell differentiation, 3D/organoid culture, characterization of in vitro models, and scientific background in lung research is a plus
The highly motivated candidate must be able to work independently however we greatly seek a team player mentality

What we offer you

scientific training at HELENA Graduate School
work-life balance
flexible working hours & time off in lieu
30 days annual leave
on-site health management service

	career consultation
	mobile work
	on-site nursery
	company pension scheme
	discounted public transport ticket

Munich, with its numerous lakes and its vicinity to the Alps, is considered to be one of the cities with the best quality of life worldwide. With its first-class universities and world-leading research institutions it offers an intellectually stimulating environment.

This position also provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge and collect significant professional experience, both of which will help advance your scientific career.

Remuneration and social benefits are based on the collective wage agreement for public-sector employees at federal level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of granting an allowance if the necessary conditions are fulfilled. The position is (initially) limited to three years, but under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.

To promote diversity, we welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion and age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we require further documents from you regarding the recognition of the degree. Please request the recognition as early as possible.

Interested?
If you have further questions, simply contact Kaori Sumikawa, 089 3187-3071, who will be happy to be of assistance.

Helmholtz Zentrum München
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute of Lung Health and Immunity
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1

85764 Oberschleißheim