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Tomorrow's medicine is being created at the UKD. Every day.
The Department of Rheumatology and Hiller Research Unit from the Heinrich-Heine-University and University Hospital Düsseldorf invites applications for a:
PhD position (m/f/d) - Generation of 3D human lymphatic follicles in an organ-on-chip model
The employment is initially limited for a period of two years but can be extended for an additional third year. In accordance with §2 Abs. 2 of the Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG), the position is limited to the realization of an intramuraly funded project.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD student position with a focus on stromal cell - lymphoid cell interactions in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease in the research group of Dr. Dennis Bleck at the Department of Rheumatology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf.
The major goal of our group is to characterize pathogenic mechanisms that drive rheumatic diseases (with focus on systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis), and to identify novel treatment strategies for these diseases. Our approaches include characterization of the interactions between stromal cells of affected tissues (particularly skin and synovium) and infiltrating immune cells by deploying multi-omics (particularly spatial-omics) on patient derived tissues and the generation of an organ-on-chip model according the results of the aforementioned analysis.
In this project, we aim to understand the role of the stroma of affected tissues in the recruitment of immune cells, the establishment and the maintenance of ectopic lymphoid structures, as the presence of these structures is correlated with disease progression and reduced therapy response.
Dr. Bleck’s group is part of an international research group with members from different backgrounds, including biologists and clinicians, and with close collaborations with researchers from other fields such as bioinformatics, which ensures an interdisciplinary environment. We have unrestricted access to state-of-the-art technologies including next generation sequencing, mass cytometry, advanced imaging techniques and flow cytometry. We thus provide the prerequisites for conducting a challenging, but highly rewarding PhD project.
The ideal candidate will receive intense training in the techniques required for his/her thesis, will benefit from learning interdisciplinary techniques and will have a wide range of possibilities to interact and work closely with clinical scientists. In addition, the team members will have opportunities to develop their independent line of investigation for their future career. Extensive cell culture experience and a keen interest in bioinformatics are preferable but not mandatory.
The position is evaluated according to E 13 Tv-L (65%).
The employment contract is concluded with Heinrich Heine University.
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf aims to increase the proportion of women. Applications from women with equal suitability, qualifications and professional performance will therefore be given preferential consideration, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor outweigh this. The application of suitable severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities according SGB IX is welcome.
Applications should be written in English and should include:
- letter of intent (please state clearly what motivates you to apply for this position and what you believe you can bring to our research group)
- curriculum vitae
- attached university diploma
- brief summary of research experience and practical lab skills
- list of referees
By sending the application documents, the applicant agrees that these become the property of the University Hospital Düsseldorf and will not be returned for reasons of cost.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. rer. nat. Dennis Bleck
email Applications should be submitted within two weeks of release of this offer preferably by email to:
email or Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf D 01.2.1 - 158E/24: Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf