The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 26 clinics, 23 institutes and specialized centers. The over 6.000 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.
The research group „Regulation of Pathogen specific Immunity“ at the Institute of Medical Microbiology offers at the earliest possible date a position as a Ph.D. Student.

The Employment is provided for a period of 36 months. The objective of the position is to obtain a PhD degree. The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal requirements.

Pathogen or endogenous danger associated molecular pattern (P/DAMP) recognition by immune cells drives acute infection and trauma pathologies. We analyze it on the molecular, cellular and systemic level applying methods of molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunology. Therapeutic modulation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activity might inhibit unwanted hyperinflammation or overcome immune paralyses. This project is part of the Research Training Group 1949 „Immune Response in Infectious Diseases – Regulation between Innate and Adaptive Immunity“ (www.unidue.de/grk1949) funded by the German Research Foundation.

Your tasks:

• Analysis of cellular recognition of xenobiotic PAMPs or endogenous DAMPs in infection and trauma
• Analysis of P/DAMP binding to innate PRR and its effects upon intracellular signal transduction as well as systemic immune activity

Your profile:

• excellent graduation in biology, biochemistry or related fields (Master degree or a Diploma)
• proven interest in the biology of acute infection and (sterile) trauma
• highly motivated and committed
• disposed to work with laboratory mice
• very good written and spoken English skills

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.

We are looking forward to your application (incl. CV, Master’s/Diploma certificate, references, list of publications if applicable). Please send your application in one single PDF file with reference to the tender number 669 within two weeks after publication to: carsten.kirschning@uk-essen.de