Working at the Charité Disorders of the tight junction (TJ) are associated with increased luminal antigen uptake, which promotes the progression of inflammatory processes in chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Within the DFG-funded TRR-241 project “Interplay of disrupted tight junctions and underlying immune cells in IBD” (B06), the role of the (tricellular) TJ in IBD pathogenesis and the reciprocal influence of immune cells and TJ is analyzed. The elucidation of the underlying regulatory signaling pathways will open up new possibilities for intervention, whereby stabilization of the (t)TJ should interrupt antigen passage and inflammation in order to prevent IBD development. Further information can be found here:
https://klinphys.charite.de PhD position (d/f/m) Physiology / Nutritional Medicine Clinic
Activities and responsibilities
Job Overview - The researcher will work within the projects of the TRR-241 B06, having main responsibility in one project as main focus but also the opportunity to participate in others
- Among these, studies on intestinal epithelial (classical cell culture and intestinal organoid cultures of healthy controls and IBD patients, mice) and immune cells will be performed to investigate the reciprocal influence of immune cells and TJ
- The offered methods include: cell culture (epithelial cell lines, primary cells, e.g. immune cells, intestinal organoids), immunostaining and confocal microscopy, potentially high-resolution microscopy, live cell imaging, standard molecular methods (Western blotting, qPCR), elucidation of cell signaling pathways and others
You are working in academia: According to §110 (4), sentence 3, the BerlHG provides academic staff with an appropriate amount of time within their working hours for their own further academic qualification
Qualification profile
We are looking for - Highly motivated, curious, enthusiastic, and results-oriented graduate students with excellent academic records
- Completed studies (Master's degree or comparable) in the fields of biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular medicine or related courses of study
- Ability to familiarize yourself quickly with scientific projects, work in a team, high level of initiative
- Ability to think analytically and work independently
- Sound knowledge of immunological, cell and molecular biology principles
- Experience in molecular biological standard techniques
- Skills in handling cell cultures and sterile working would be beneficial.
- Authorization to carry out animal experiments is of advantage, but not mandatory
- Very good English skills, both written and spoken
If you have a foreign degree, please be aware that proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany is required. The proof can be determined via the anabin database (
https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html) and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application
We offer
Advantages at the Charité - A relaxed but highly professional collaboration in a familiar, motivated, interdisciplinary team
- A future-oriented, varied and challenging job with a high degree of personal responsibility and personal freedom of action
- Multicultural team events, well-structured onboarding with nice colleagues
- Extensive free continuing education and training opportunities up to and including university studies
- Discounts on many employee offers for shopping, travel, sports
- Our company pension scheme provides our employees with additional security in old age
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is certified for a family-friendly balance between private life, family and work or studies - you can find further information here: https://familie.charite.de/voiio/