Doctoral student (m/f/d)
Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 26,500 students and 5,700 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories – your own and those of our university.
Support us as of now in part-time (65 %) as a
Doctoral student (m/f/d)
The position is within the subproject P5 „Macrophage dependent inflammation in the ageing testis“ (Part of the INFINITE research group FOR 5644 funded by the DFG) and is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Faculty of Medicine under the leadership of Dr. Sudhanshu Bhushan. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).
As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 4 years.
Your tasks at a glance
This PhD project focuses on understanding how age-related changes affect macrophage populations and their impact on testicular health and inflammation. We will investigate macrophage differences between young and old mice using advanced techniques like lineage tracing, high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and CODEX multiplex imaging. Our goal is to examine testicular macrophages' characteristics, gene expression, and functional changes, including their ability to engulf particles, reproduce, and respond to inflammation in both normal and inflamed conditions. Additionally, we aim to counteract age-related inflammation through innovative approaches. By targeting macrophages through inhibition of the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor and monocytes through deficiency in C-C chemokine receptor type 2, we hope to understand their distinct roles in testicular function and inflammation. Furthermore, we plan to investigate immune communication pathways involving macrophage-derived MIF and Leydig cells expressing CD74 to identify new therapeutic options.
The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.
Your qualifications and competences
- Master’s or an equivalent degree in the field of Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biological Science, Medicine or related fields
- Strong interest in immunology/macrophage biology and motivated about research lab work
- Provide a platform to learn, understand, think and conduct the experiment independently, and how to master the most advanced techniques in immunology and molecular/cell biology
- Experience in working with animals (FELASA B certificate) is desirable
- Proficiency in R and Python is preferred
- Experience in immunology and basic immunological techniques such as flow cytometry and cell culture techniques will be given priority
- Strong communication and writing skills in English
- Personally, you are characterized by a level of motivation, commitment, and ability to work in a team that is well above average
Our offer to you
- An international collaborative working environment with state-of-the-art equipment giving the opportunity to carry out research and to put creative ideas into practice as well as promoting professional advancement
- Opportunity to present your data at national/international scientific conferences
- Structured qualification programme via the doctoral training provided by the International Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL) https://www.uni-giessen.de/fbz/zentren/ggl (including scientific seminars, lectures given by nationally/internationally recognized speakers, hands on method courses, research management, communication skills and career development)
- A varied job with flexible working hours
- Free use of local public transport (Landes Ticket Hessen)
- More than 100 seminars, workshops and e-learning offers per year for personal training as well as a wide range of health and sports offers
- Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
- The good balance between family and work (certificate “audit family-friendly university”)
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Sudhanshu Bhushan by e-mail (Sudhanshu.bhushan@anatomie.med.uni-giessen.de).
JLU aims to employ more women in academic research. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply. JLU is regarded as a family-friendly university. Applicants with children are very welcome. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.
You want to break new ground with us?
Apply via our online form by July, 2nd, 2024, indicating reference number 419/11. We look forward to receiving your application.