Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 4 years

Application Deadline

22 May 2024

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Biology, Human Biology, Biomedicine, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Human Medicine

Description

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)

In the field of reproductive immunology

The position is part of the externally funded project “Deciphering the region-specific distribution and function of dendritic cell populations along the epididymis” 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 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine. 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 will use state-of-the-art methods (including scRNA-Seq/ bulkRNA-Seq, CODEX, high-dimensional flow cytometry, confocal microscopy) to analyse the phenotypic and functional properties of dendritic cells in the epididymis. Using various in vitro and in vivo models, the region-specific antigen capture and subsequent T-cell activation will be analysed under physiological conditions. In addition, the influence of dendritic cells on the course of acute bacterial epididymitis, which often leads to persistent tissue damage and thus to fertility restrictions, will be assessed on in order to identify new therapeutic approaches.

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. 

Expected Skills

• Master’s or an equivalent completed scientific university degree in the field of Biology, Bio­chemistry, Immunology, Biological Science, Medicine or related fields
• Strong interest in immunobiology/dendritic cells, or reproductive biology, as well as general interest in analytical-conceptual scientific work/ laboratory work
• Ability to carry out experiments independently, motivation to work independently on scientific questions, initiative and creativity as well as the willingness to learn and apply the latest immune­logical and molecular biological techniques
• Experience in laboratory animal science (FELASA B certificate) as well as knowledge in immunology, flow cytometry and cell culture are an advantage
• Very good written and spoken English skills are expected as well as basic scientific working techniques
• Personally, you are characterised by an above-average level of motivation, commitment and the ability to work in a team

We offer

• An international collaborative working environment with state-of-the-art technology giving the opportunity to carry out research and to put creative ideas into practice as well as promoting pro­fessional advancement 
• Opportunity to present your research at national/international scientific conferences
• Structured qualification programme for doctoral students at 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 (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 seminars, workshops and e-learning programmes per year for personal develop­ment as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration in accordance with TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments 
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit family-friendly university”)

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Christiane Pleuger by e-mail (christiane.pleuger@anatomie.med.uni-giessen.de).

Justus Liebig University Giessen is seeking a larger percentage of women in academia; therefore, qualified female researchers are especially encouraged to apply. The university sees itself as a family-friendly university. Applicants with children are most welcome. Applications from people with disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by May 22nd, 2024, indicating reference number 342/11. We look forward to receiving your application.