About us:

As part of the Research Training Group “Targets in Toxicology - Deciphering therapeutic targets in lung toxicology” (GRK 2338), we are offering a PhD position focusing on lung biology. The structured Ph.D. program (Ph.D. in Medical Research) combines highly interdisciplinary research projects with specialized training in the pathophysiology of the lung and the entire discipline of toxicology through an internationally renowned research network. The aim of the Research Training Group is to train a new generation of highly qualified toxicologists. Further information about the Research Training Group GRK 2338 can be found on our website.

Unlike an individual doctorate, the Ph.D. program offers a fixed curriculum (180 ECTS) with individual supervision, a fixed duration (three years) and regulated funding.

Research project: Identification of interaction partners of the pro-inflammatory P2X7 receptor by proximity labeling

This research project aims to identify the molecular mechanisms of P2X7 receptor signaling and its involvement in immune cell function and lung diseases. The P2X7 receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel and key mediator of inflammation. Its activation results in a variety of effects (e.g. cytokine secretion, cell morphology changes, apoptosis) that are incompletely understood (Kopp et al. Front. Mol. Neurosci.) In the proposed project we aim to generate, validate and use Turbo-ID-fused P2X7 receptors to identify components of the P2X7 signaling complex that mediate this effect.

We are looking for you:

Doctoral Researcher Position (Ph.D.) - Life Sciences, Biology, (Bio)Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, or Pharmacy (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

The successful applicant will

• Work on a project involving the generation, validation and application of a Turbo-ID-fused P2X7 receptor to identify components of the P2X7 signaling complex
• Participate in lectures and courses offered in the frame of GRK2338
• Co-organize events in the GRK2338.

Your qualifications:

• We are looking for highly motivated researchers with enthusiasm for basic science and a good background in molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Ideal candidates should hold a master’s degree or an equivalent first professional qualification degree in the Life Sciences (e.g. in Biology, (Bio)Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, or Pharmacy) and be proficient in English.
• The ability to responsibly plan and perform experiments and to work in an international team is expected.
• Experience in functional analysis of ion channels and transfection/transduction of primary cells is an advantage.

Benefits:

We offer:

• Fixed employment contract (TV-L 13, 65%)
• Duration: three years
• Cutting-edge research project at the interface of basic and clinical science
• International networking and exchange opportunities
• Excellent scientific environment and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• Strong group network (network (13 doctoral students)
• Numerous offer of seminars, workshops and further training measures.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

If you have questions concerning the Research Training Group GRK 2338, please contact the program coordinator Steffi Resenberger. For more information about the research project, please contact Professor Dr. phil. nat. Annette Nicke.

Please submit the following documents to S.Resenberger@lmu.de until 31.12.2024:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Motivation (in English)
• Certifcate of the last academic degree
• Other qualification certificates, e.g. TOEFL
• Names, affiliations and e-mail addresses of two references (former supervisors)

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