PhD position (E13 TV-L, 65%) – Mechanobiology of host-pathogen interactions

European Commission; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to explore mechanobiology of host-pathogen interactions. The role involves cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment and includes a relocation opportunity to Berlin. Ideal candidates should possess a Master's degree and experience in interdisciplinary research.

Qualifikationen

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging bioengineering, cell biology, and infection biology.
• Experience with host-pathogen interactions is a plus.
• Strong communication skills due to collaboration with engineers.

Aufgaben

• Conduct live-cell microscopy and analysis of bacterial infections.
• Explore mechanical influences on epithelial barrier function.
• Collaborate with researchers to develop experimental setups.

Kenntnisse

Interdisciplinary research interest

Experience in cell culture

Live-cell microscopy

Image analysis skills

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

Teamwork skills

Ausbildung

Master Degree or equivalent

Jobbeschreibung

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Organisation/Company University of Tübingen Department Microbiology and Infection Medicine Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Biological sciences » Biological engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 30 Sep 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 15 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

PhD position (E13 TV-L, 65%) – Mechanobiology of host-pathogen interactionsto be filled as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to three years.

TheCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI) in the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology & Infection Medicine (IMIT) at the University of Tübingen is looking to fill one PhD position (E13 TV-L, 65%)in Dr. Effie Bastounis’ research group. The earliest starting date for this position will be on 15.10.2025. The position is funded for a period of 3 years at least.

Specific Research Project

This PhD position is part of a DFG collaborative project (2nd funding phase) with the Constantinou Lab at theTU Braunschweig. The project aims to uncover how mechanical forces influence the dynamics of intracellular bacterial infections in epithelial tissues, with a focus on the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes .UsingStretchView 2.0, a high-throughput, multi-directional cell-stretching platform developed by our collaborators and compatible with live-cell imaging, the PhD student will explore how cyclic stretching modulates:

• Intercellular junctions and cytoskeletal remodelling in epithelial sheets
• Mechanical forces and epithelial barrier function during infection
• Listeria monocytogenes spread via direct cell-to-cell transmission

The work involves conduction of live-cell microscopy, force inference methods, traction force microscopy, and advanced imaging techniques such as FRET imaging using specialized biosensors to assess ERK signaling dynamics. Integration of perfusion into the system will allow study of how fluid flow alters cytokine gradientsand host defense mechanisms.

Application & Contact

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Effie Bastounis [e-mail] . Applications should include: (1) Brief cover/motivation letter; (2) CV; (3) Degree certificates; (4) Names and contact information of two referees.

The University aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and urges suitably qualified women scientists to apply. Qualified international researchers are expressly invited to apply. Disabled persons with equal aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging bioengineering, cell biology and infection biology. Ideal applicants will have:

• A background in biological sciences, bioengineering, physics, or related fields
• Experience cell culture, live-cell microscopy, or host-pathogen interactions (a plus)
• Skills in image analysis, programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB), or force quantification methods (preferred)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, as the project involves close collaboration with engineers in Braunschweig

The successful candidate will have access to excellent infrastructure and interdisciplinary training within the CMFI Cluster and the Bastounis Lab, fostering a rich environment for scientific growth and collaboration.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Biological sciences » BiologyEngineering » Biomedical engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Additional comments

Important Note on Lab Relocation

Dr. Bastounis has accepted, in principle, a W2 Professorship at Humboldt University in Berlin. The lab is expected to relocate there in April 2026. The selected candidate will be expected to move with the group to continue the project in Berlin. Support for relocation and integration into the new research environment will be provided.