PhD position (all genders) - Liver Tolerance and Autoimmunity

We offer a PhD student position in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with active collaborations and exchange with national and international partners.

Cholangiopathies such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are difficult to treat,  progressive diseases often leading to cirrhosis, liver transplantation or death. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood but immune dysregulation likely triggered by responses to bacteria or their products at mucosal surfaces contributes to disease pathogenesis. Cholangiocytes are targeted by the immune system, but they also influence immune cell function via cell-cell contact or cytokines. The aim of the project is to deeply characterize the biliary microbiome in mouse and men, and to decipher, how microorganisms shape the interaction of cholangiocytes with immune cells and thus modify the course of disease. Understanding the functional role of biliary microbiota and how they shape hepatic immune regulation will help to identify novel treatment targets.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Analyse the biliary microbiome in human and mouse and investigate the impact of the identified bacteria and metabolites on differentiation and activation of immune cells and cholangiocytes
• Study in vivo gnotobiotic mouse models of acute and chronic cholangitis
• Co-culture of bacteria and metabolites with 3 D cholangiocyte organoids (mouse/human)
• Generate and interpret data: FACS, ELISA, WB, IHC, NGS, sc and snRNA-seq
• Prepare and present your scientific data on national and international meetings
• Prepare manuscripts

This position is initially limited to three years in accordance with the WissZeitVG and to be filled with 65% of the regular weekly working hours.

• Diploma or master degree in biology, microbiology or related life sciences
• Documented interest, skills and experience in immunology, microbiology as well as bacic computing skills are welcome
• Highly motivated and able to work in a team and collaborate with other research groups

Applications should include a c.v., academic certificates, references, and a short personal statement outlining your suitability and motivation for the study, and your research experience to date.

• Attractive pay according to TVöD/VKA
• Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful work, respectful cooperation
• Structured induction and open exchange of knowledge within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy in cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service; option to lease a company bike
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, prevention and sports programs
• Our staff restaurant offers a wide range of culinary options; further options are available in the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and in a supermarket directly on the premises

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment providing equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disability with equal aptitude, competence and professional performance will be given priority. 

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.