PhD Position (m/f/d)
Pay grade: EG 13 TV-L
Work Area: Institute of Medical Microbiology - AG Knuschke
Job ID: 14047
Start Date: 01.01.2027
Work Scope: part-time employment / 25,025 h
Contract Type: temporary
Contract duration: for 36 months; in accordance with § 2 (2) of the WissZeitVG for the duration of the project
The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 30 clinics, 27 institutes and specialized centers. The over 8.000 employees offer medical care with state-of-the art diagnostics and therapies, which meet highest international standards. Patient care is connected with basic and translational research at an internationally competitive level.
About the Project
We are offering a fully funded PhD position supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to investigate the antiviral role of hemoglobin during influenza A virus infection.
Hemoglobin is best known for its role in oxygen transport in red blood cells. Our preliminary findings indicate that it is also expressed by lung immune cells, where it may contribute to antiviral defense. These findings further suggest that the thrombospondin -1 (TSP -1)/CD47 signaling axis limits hemoglobin expression and its associ ated antiviral activity.
The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying hemoglobin -mediated antiviral defense and determine how this response is regulated by TSP -1/CD47 signaling. Combining mechanistic studies with in vivo models, we will explore whether targeting this pathway can enhance antiviral immunity while avoiding excessive inflammation and lung tissue damage.
Your Tasks
- Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize the intrinsic and extrinsic (paracrine) functions of hemoglobin in lung immune and epithelial cells
- Apply molecular biology techniques
- Plan, perform, and analyze therapeutic intervention studies
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
- Assist in supervising Bachelor's/Master's students
Your profile:
- You have a university degree (Master or Diploma) in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Solid background in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques
- Experience in laboratory animal science (FELASA B) is an advantage
- Strong interest in basic research in virology/immunology
- Independent, structured, and team-oriented working style
- Excellent written and spoken English skills; German language skills are a plus but not required
Look forward to:
- An exciting, methodologically diverse PhD project in an internationally visible research field
- Dedicated supervision of the doctoral project within a cooperative working group with regular seminars
- State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at University Hospital Essen
- Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science BIOME' (https://www.uni-due.de/biome)
- Salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L, E13, 65%), fixed-term for 3 years
- A collegial working environment that encourages independent scientific ideas
- A secure job in the public service of the state of NRW
- Fair payment in accordance with the collective wage agreement (TV-L) incl. annual bonus payment and supplementary company pension scheme
- 30 days of vacation per calendar year (for a full-time position)
- Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
- Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards
- Family-friendly corporate culture, e.g. company daycare center, vacation program for school age children, advice and support from the Employee Service Office in all life situations
- Wide range of training and continuing education opportunities, e.g. at the Training Academy of UK Essen
- Health Management, e.g. company integration management, vaccinations, promotion of sports activities
- Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. reduced-price canteen meals, community events, accommodation in student residences
General conditions:
- The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal prerequisites.
- The University Hospital Essen is an equal opportunity employer. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply.
- The participation in secondary employment depends on the „Hochschulnebentätigkeitsverordnung“ of North-Rhine Westphalia.
- Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.
Contact person and further information about the position:
You will find detailed information on the job advertisement and contact persons behind the button - Apply now:
https://bewerbung-karriere.ume.de/Vacancies/14047/Application/CheckLogin/1