PhD Student (gn*) Immunology

UKM; Münster; Hybrid; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation

Company pension (VBL)

Training opportunities

Work-life balance support

Sports programs

Job ticket

Bicycle leasing (Jobrad)

Company events

Cafeteria

Emergency childcare

Job summary

UKM’s Institute for Experimental Pathology in Münster invites applications for a fixed-term 3-year, part-time (65%) position. Salary follows TV-L E13 with extra annual payment and pension plan.

The project focuses on granulopoiesis under inflammatory stress and neutrophil biology, with state-of-the-art methods. The ideal candidate holds MSc in Biological Sciences with strong immunology background and hands-on experience in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, or cell culture, and is fluent in

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Biological Sciences.
• Strong background in immunology.
• Hands-on experience in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments using state-of-the-art approaches.
• Work with animal models of granulopoiesis and infection.
• Perform spectral flow cytometry, cell sorting, and immunohistochemistry.
• Conduct biochemical assays for cytokines and inflammatory mediators.
• Collaborate across disciplines to model ather pathophysiology.
• Analyze data and contribute to publications.

Job description

Fixed-term for 3 years | Part-time (65%) | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institute for Experimental Pathology

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise in the Institute for Experimental Pathology, based at the Center for Inflammation Research. The research group of Dr. Mariano Malamud investigates how pattern recognition receptors regulate immune responses during hematopoietic stress, combining cellular, molecular, and in vivo approaches – ideally with you on board!

Neutrophils are continuously generated from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and their production is rapidly reprogrammed during infection and inflammation. Although this stress response is essential for host defence, persistent or dysregulated myelopoiesis can amplify inflammatory disease. Building on our discovery that the inhibitory receptor MICL (CLEC12A) recognizes neutrophil extracellular traps and restrains neutrophil activation (Malamud et al., Nature, 2024), the project will investigate how inflammatory stress remodels pattern-recognition receptor networks during granulopoiesis and how this process programs the function of newly generated neutrophils.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and conduct experiments utilizing state-of-the-art approaches such as:
• Animal models of stress-induced granulopoiesis and bacterial infection.
• High-dimensional spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting to characterize immune cell populations in murine tissues
• Immunohistological staining and imaging of tissue sections using multiplexed immunohistochemistry
• Biochemical assays for cytokines and other inflammatory mediators
• Cell culture experiments (primary cells and cell lines)
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across disciplines to integrate findings into a comprehensive model of atherosclerosis pathophysiology
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present conclusions through high-quality publications, presentations, and reports
• Contribute to manuscript preparation
• Participate actively in departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences

REQUIREMENTS:

• MSc degree in Biological Sciences
• Strong background in immunology
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Flow cytometry-based phenotyping and sorting
• Immunofluorescence microscopy and histopathological evaluation
• Culture of cell lines and human or murine primary cells.
• Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in German desirable but not required
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training programs to enhance expertise and stay up-to-date with latest methodologies

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to TV-L E13, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Access to world-class infrastructure, equipment, and resources
• Supportive environment fostering creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Mariano Malamud, T 0251 83-5208, [e-mail]