City:  Göttingen
Date:  Apr 15, 2024

PhD Student ‒ Cell Biology and Immunology

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 800 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.0 billion euros. 

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

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. For relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, major advances have been made in the development of various disease-modifying therapies that effectively reduce the number and severity of new relapses as well as MRI activity. During the progressive stages of multiple sclerosis, in which new lesions become less frequent and the progression is characterized by a steady increase in neurological disability, most of the drugs on the market are unable to prevent disease progression. 

The aim of this study is to test suitable candidates for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis via animal models and in vitro analysis. For in vivo experiments, we will utilize the murine multiple sclerosis model for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis as well as the cuprizone-induced model of demyelination. For in vitro experiments, primary cell cultures of CNS-resident cells will be used. The main methods of this study will be among others flow cytometry, magnetic-activated cell sorting, ELISA, qPCR and immunohistology.

 

What you will do

  • Plan and perform experiments
  • Analyze the experiments, interpret and present the data
  • Co-supervise interns
  • Work in an interdisciplinary and international environment
  • Support cooperation partners from industry and medicine

PhD students have the opportunity to participate in one of several PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Göttingen, where they will be able to present their work at conferences and publish their work in scientific journals. Through this close cooperation, participants have access to a wide range of techniques and facilities.

 

What you bring to the table

Highly motivated and have a strong interest to work at the interface between research, medicine, and industry. PhD-students furthermore:

  • Hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in Immunology, Molecular Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry or related fields
  • Have experience with cellular- and molecular biology techniques (FACS, ELISA and qPCR)
  • Are interested in animal studies; experience with murine disease models will be advantageous but not a requirement 
  • Are proficient in the English language (written and spoken) and have German knowledge

Your professional qualifications are complemented by a quick grasp, structured and independent way of working and a good team spirit.

 

What you can expect

  • Good work-life balance thanks to flexible working hours with flexitime model
  • 30 days of vacation as well as Christmas and New Year's Eve as work-free days
  • Personal pension scheme (VBL) and other benefits from the public sector, e.g., annual special payment
  • Capital-forming benefits
  • Subsidy for the Deutschland-Ticket job ticket
  • Personal development opportunities through a wide range of further training opportunities
  • Corporate benefits: offers from well-known manufacturers and brands

 

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!
 

Questions to Position:
Prof. Martin Weber / Dr. Darius Häusler
Phone +49 551 39-63658

 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact

Dr. Ursula Wegenka
ursula.wegenka@itmp.fraunhofer.de
Phone +49 551 39-65284

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP 

www.itmp.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 72711                

 


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