PhD student (all genders) - Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology

Our group investigates how proteins are degraded within podocytes (an essential cell of the kidneys filtration unit). Within the transregional research consortium 422 the proposed project B2 focuses on the role of the podocyte endo-lysosomal system beyond degradation in normal and diseased podocyte-conditions with the goal to connect basic with applied research ultimately leading to novel medical applications. Our group is embedded within an excellent scientific environment as part of the Sonderforschungsbereich 1192 – Immune mediated glomerular diseases as well as the research consortium “NeuroFlame – Defense and Demise of Inflamed Neurons”.

We are seeking a PhD student for this third-party funded project. The project examines the cell-specific role of the endo-lysosomal system on podocyte homeostasis.

The following aims will be addressed:

• The subcellular distribution and structure of the endo-lysosomal system in human, pig and mouse podocytes.
• Changes in the endo-lysosomal system upon podocyte stress and its impact on other degradative systems.
• Function of the podocyte endo-lysosomal system, regarding plasma membrane regulation and calcium homeostasis.

Your tasks:

Planning and conduction of animal and molecular biochemical experiments, work with murine, pig and human samples (blood, urine and kidney tissue).

• Animal experiments: Isolation of podocytes from human, pig and mouse kidneys by FACS sorting for -omic and biochemical analyses, immunization of mice for disease induction, measurement of antibody titers, clinical and histological work (analysis of serum and urine, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence stainings and analyses)
• Molecular biology: cell specific analyses of the expression and activity of the endo-lysosomal and proteasomal systems, Western blots, qPCR, immune precipitations, activity assays and cell expression systems.
• Analysis and summary of your own experimental results and presentation in internal / national / international meetings.

This position is temporary for 3 years with 65% of the weekly working time. The goal is the achievement of a PhD.

• University degree in natural science, preferably molecular life science, biology, chemistry or biochemistry
• Strong interest in scientific questions, especially in complex interactions between different protein degradation systems.
• Willingness to perform animal experiments
• Desirable: knowledge in FACS analysis, molecular biology, histological methods (immune fluorescence, confocal and high-resolution microscopy)
• Very good knowledge of the English and German language and Skills in MS Office
• You are capable of teamwork and independence, you are highly motivated, dedicated, flexible, and bring great organizational skills to the table.

• Work as a member of a young and highly motivated team
• Advanced training in the graduate program of the Collaborative Research Center (Sonderforschungsbereich) 422
• Structured and guided induction to your new workplace
• Open scientific exchange of knowledge within the team
• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides 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 disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.