City:  Göttingen
Date:  Feb 18, 2025

PhD Student ‒ Cell Biology & Immunology

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. 

The Fraunhofer branch Translational Neuroinflammation and Automated Microscopy TNM in Göttingen is part of the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP. The Research group »Translational Neuroinflammation« focuses on understanding pathological and immunological mechanisms in the development and progression of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. For relapsing-remitting MS, huge progress has been made in the development of various disease-modifying therapies such as anti-CD20 antibodies, which effectively reduce the number and the severity of new relapses as well as MRI activity.

Currently, our research group invites applications for a PhD student position in the field of cell biology and immunology. The aim of this study is to compare various immunomodulating therapies, utilizing in vitro and in vivo experiments. We will utilize the murine MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, as well as primary cell cultures and human samples. We also aim to better understand the pathogenesis of MS. Therefore, we plan to analyze cell-cell interaction to find candidates for molecular tracing. The main methods of this study will be, among others, flow cytometry, magnetic-activated cell sorting, ELISA, qPCR, bulk RNA-Seq, microscopy, and immunohistology.

 

What you will do

  • PhD students have the opportunity to participate in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen. Candidates will have the possibility to present their work at conferences and publish in scientific journals. Through close cooperation with the University Medical Center Göttingen, we have access to a broad range of techniques and facilities.

  • Plan and perform experiments
  • Analyze the experiments, interpret and present the data
  • Co-supervise interns, as well as master’s and bachelor’s theses
  • Work in an interdisciplinary and international environment
  • Support cooperation partners from industry and medicine

 

What you bring to the table

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) in immunology, molecular medicine, biology, biochemistry or a related field
  • Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques (FACS, ELISA, and qPCR)
  • Interest in performing animal studies; experience with murine disease models is an advantage but not a requirement
  • Proficiency in the English language (written and spoken) and working knowledge of German
  • High motivation and a strong interest to work at the interface between research, medicine, and industry
  • A quick grasp and team spirit paired with a structured and independent way of workingit.

 

What you can expect

 

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
 

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP 

www.itmp.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 78480                Application Deadline:

 


Job Segment: Cell Biology, Cytology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Part Time, Science, Healthcare