PhD student positions (m/f/d) in the field of genetic regulation of heart regeneration and cardiac fibrosis
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.
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PhD student positions (m/f/d) in the field of genetic
regulation of heart regeneration and cardiac fibrosis
The position is to be filled in the third-party funded SFP1213 “Pulmonary Hypertension and Cor pulmonale” and is limited until 30.06.2028 at the “Cardio-Pulmonary Institute at the Department of Medicine” The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H, 65 %).
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.
The project: Scarring or regeneration are the two principal, diametrically opposed results of a loss of functional tissue due to illness or injury. The heart in particular has an extremely limited capacity for regeneration. Progressive fibrosis of the myocardium is therefore a typical clinical picture of various heart diseases, including right ventricular hypertrophy. In contrast to humans, zebrafish (Danio rerio) are largely protected from fibrotic changes in the heart tissue and are even able to completely regenerate heart injuries. The aim of this project is to elucidate the cellular and genetic mechanisms of anti-fibrotic signaling pathways in zebrafish. In particular, the genetic mechanisms of blastema formation and its function at the genetic level will be investigated.
Your tasks at a glance
- Carrying out project-related research tasks that are performed in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-silico
- Carrying out investigations of the sub-project ‘Analysis of ventricular hypertrophy under physiological and pathological conditions in zebrafish’
- Discussion of the results with the project management
- Evaluation of the test results
- Scientific presentations and publications
In addition to working on the project, there is also the opportunity to do a doctorate as part of the Giessen Graduate Schools.
Your qualifications and competences
- Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry or related fields
- Suitable candidates should have an interest in tissue regeneration and fibrosis.
- Experience in working with transcriptional datasets and bioinformatics methods as well as CRISPR/CAS is an advantage.
- Experience with the zebrafish model system is not necessary but desirable
- A strong interest in cell biology, cell fate regulation, genetics and molecular signaling is expected
- Documented experience in laboratory work such as molecular cloning, RT-qPCR, RNA isolation etc. is an advantage
- Experience in the analysis of transcriptomic data is an asset
We are looking for an exceptionally committed and motivated member of our team who shares our vision of developing the basis for new therapeutic approaches. We are a highly motivated international research team and offer the opportunity to develop an independent scientific profile.
Our offer to you
- A varied job with flexible working hours
- Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
- More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
- Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
- Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte Hochschule")
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Sven Reischauer by phone (0641/99-42218) or by e-mail (Sven.Reischauer@innere.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 November 5th, 2024, indicating reference number 578/11. Your application (a single PDF file) should inculde a motivation letter, your cv and two letters of support or contact details for two references. We look forward to receiving your application.