PhD student (f/m/x) for the study of microbial triggers of intestinal inflammation

In this project, you will investigate how alterations in host-microbial interactions can elicit chronic intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have previously identified pathways through which host genetic defects can provide susceptibility to microbiota-dependent intestinal inflammation (Strigli, Gopalakrishnan et al., Sci Immunol 2021). Based on this work, you will be applying gnotobiotic mice carrying human microbiota to identify microbial triggers of intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, using primary human and murine intestinal organoids, co-cultures with bacteria, and state-of-the-art approaches such as scRNA- and spatial RNA sequencing, you will study the mechanisms responsible for development of intestinal inflammation. The long-term vision of this project is to establish microbiome-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of IBD in genetically susceptible hosts.

Candidates hold a Master degree (or equivalent) in Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, or any related fields in biological sciences. Candidates ideally have expertise in the work with mice and basic microbiology and cell culture techniques. They are open minded, active and have a good command of the English language (oral and written).

The position offers an excellent opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic researchers in a cross-disciplinary environment. The position is integrated into the DFG Collaborative Research Center 1371 \"Microbiome Signatures - Functional Relevance in the Digestive Tract\" (Speaker: Prof. Haller, TU Munich, www.sfb1371.tum.de). The CRC 1371 features an Integrated Research Training School (IRTG) which provides a qualification program for PhD students containing excellent multidisciplinary training with tailor-made subject-based and soft skills courses, annual retreats, summer school, and a supervision concept. Payment is according to the wage agreement of the civil service TV-L (65% of E13). Please note that there are no additional postgraduate degree fees required for international candidates.