The laboratory "Leishmania and Innate Immunity" (PD Dr. rer. nat. Ulrike Schleicher / Prof. Dr. med. Christian Bogdan) at the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene of the University Hospital Erlangen offers a PhD position to investigate mechanisms of eosinophil-dependent immunomodulation in cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Research in the Schleicher/Bogdan lab investigates immune defense mechanisms in response to Leishmania parasites. Using mouse models of self-healing versus chronic leishmaniasis, we aim to identify micro-milieu factors as well as cellular, metabolic and molecular mechanisms that lead to parasite control or to pathological inflammation and parasite persistence. Current projects focus on the question how the L-arginine metabolism, eosinophils and DC subpopulations influence the outcome of the infection. Interestingly, deletion of eosinophils showed different effects on the course of the infection, depending on the Leishmania species. Consequently, a more detailed investigation of the eosinophil/immune cell/parasite interaction is necessary.

Your tasks:

• In the context of the DFG-funded RTG2740 ( https://www.immunomicrotope.de/ ) , the PhD project (A6) will dissect how eosinophils interact with different Leishmania species and how the eosinophil response affects the course of infection.
• The standard model systems employed will comprise in vitro cell cultures (co-cultures of eosinophils with Leishmania parasites and other immune cell populations) as well as infection experiments in conditional knockout mice with cell type-specific deletions.
• Mechanistic analyses will include multi-color flow cytometry, confocal and high resolution immunofluorescence microscopy, ELISA and multiplex cytokine analyses, single cell and bulk RNA sequencing, metabolomics and bioinformatics.

Essential experience/qualifications:

• We are looking for highly motivated candidates holding a Master degree in Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Human Biology, Molecular Medicine) with a solid background in immunology, molecular biology and infection biology and a strong interest in infectious disease immunology and host-pathogen interaction.
• Practical experience in cell culture, flow cytometry and/or mouse models as well as knowledge in bioinformatics is advantageous.
• Very good command of the English language, basic knowledge in German would be beneficial

Comments:

• Position will be paid according to the German salary guidelines (TV-L)
• Fixed-term contract for up to 36 months
• Applications need to include informative letter of intent, CV, 2-3 letters of recommendation and copies of transcript of records, certificates (high school diploma, bachelor and master studies)

We offer:

• Attractive PhD thesis topic in a highly relevant infection and immunity research area
• Membership in the structured educational PhD program of Life@FAU graduate school and the RTG2740
• Thorough and qualified introduction into the project and a supportive working group
• Stimulating research environment at the Microbiological Institute and the FAU Profile Center in Immunomedicine (FAU I-MED)
• Access to state-of-the art technologies in RNAseq, imaging, metabolomics and microbiome analysis due to the core-units at FAU and UKER

Further information:

PD Dr. rer. nat. Ulrike Schleicher Group Leader Telefon: (09131) 85 -33648

Applications:

Universitätsklinikum Erlangen Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene PD Dr. rer. nat. Ulrike Schleicher Wasserturmstraße 3/5 91054 Erlangen

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.