The Hospital of the University of Munich, Germany, is one of the largest and most competitive university hospitals in Germany and Europe. 48 specialized hospitals, departments and institutions harbouring excellent research and education provide patient care at the highest medical level with around 11.000 employees.
The Medizinische Klinik II (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Stoffwechselerkrankungen) on the Campus Großhadern invites applications for the area Forschungslabor on the next possible date, in full time, for a
Postdoc (m/f/d)
Scope of duties
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Topic: Health and disease-defining characteristics of the human gut microbiota for therapeutic interventions in inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Project description: The intestinal microbiota strongly impacts on the clinical course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the intestinal microbiota has been barely explored. Over the last years, we established longitudinal observational studies in IBD patients and healthy controls (> 5,000 biosamples). In an unique approach, we also acquired small intestinal biosamples during nutritional interventions (clinical cross-over trial) for an assessment of the small intestinal microbiota, which remains terra incognita in humans.
- In an ongoing effort, we are building a library of well-characterized bacterial isolates from human samples (> 1,000 strains, approx. 200 species). Advanced bioinformatics techniques for whole genome and shotgun metagenomic sequences will be used to understand the metabolic potential and evolution of relevant substrains. As a next step, we will systematically analyse defining characteristics of the intestinal microbiota in health vs. disease in the context of IBD. Bacteria-bacteria interactions will be analysed in vitro. Moreover, bacterial strains and communities will be introduced in mice models of IBD to identify health- and disease promoting interventions. The long-term goal will be the development of microbiota-based therapies for human use.
Our requirements
- A PhD in biology, microbiology, bioinformatics or any other life science.
- Strong interest in computational biology, experience in microbiological techniques and/or mice experiments as well as a strong interest and background knowledge in basic and translational research will be of advantage.
- The applicant should be comfortable in a collaborative environment with many interactions with clinicians and basic scientists.
Our offer
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Environment: Excellent scientific environment at the LMU Munich, with state-of the art lab equipment, close association with the inpatient and outpatient clinic at the LMU Munich (Klinikum Grosshadern) with a large number of IBD patients. Established collaborations with Bern University (Prof. Andrew Macpherson, Prof. Bahtiyar Yilmaz, Prof. Stephanie Ganal-Vonarburg) and TU Munich (Prof. Dirk Haller, Prof. Barbara Stecher). Collaboration partners in Zimbabwe with the first IBD registry in Subsaharan Africa (Dr. Leolin Katsidzira).
- We offer the candidate an interesting and challenging position in an international and interdisciplinary research laboratory, embedded in a translational scientific environment and medical center:
- Excellent scientific exchange with surrounding research institutions
- A broad portfolio of tasks and responsible activities in a creative research environment
- Large number of existing human biosamples (> 5,000) and bacterial isolates, enabling to start translational projects without delay
- Excellently equipped laboratories
- A wide range of advanced training and education opportunities
- Bioinformatics training, done via a partially joint supervision with Prof. B. Yilmaz, Bern
- The possibility of national and international cooperations
- Participation in international congresses
- We have a friendly, supportive and inspiring working environment, which values independent ideas.
- Remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV-L) including all allowances customary in the public sector. The position is limited to three years and an extension might be possible.
- In addition we offer further education and training, company pension scheme, childcare services, mobile work (if suitable), job ticket, discounts and staff accommodation.
Contact
Disabled persons will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification. Presentation costs cannot be refunded. Please send a cover letter, a CV, and any letters of recommendation as a single pdf file. For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Benjamin Misselwitz, phone +49 1525 484 - 8622.
Please apply directly using the "Apply now"-Button.
LMU Klinikum - Campus Großhadern
Medizinische Klinik II (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Stoffwechselerkrankungen)