PhD student (all genders) - Liver Tolerance and Autoimmunity

In our newly funded Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1700, “Immune Regulation in the Liver: From Homeostasis to Disease.” (www.uke.de/sfb1700) and integrated into our graduate school, the project B03 offer a PhD student position.

CRC 1700 aims to understand the mechanisms governing immune regulation in the liver, a central metabolic organ constantly exposed to various endogenous and exogenous substances. Diseases of the bile ducts, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), are difficult to treat liver diseases and often progress to cirrhosis, liver transplantation or death. Their pathogenesis is poorly understood, but evidence suggests a key role for cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts. Cholangiocytes are targeted by immune cells, and this interaction may be modulated and triggered by the luminal environment of the bile ducts, including its microbiota and lipid metabolites. We aim to characterize the biliary microbiome in mice and men, and elucidate how microorganisms shape the interaction of cholangiocytes with immune cells and thus modify the course of disease. Understanding the functional role of cholangiocytes in shaping the hepatic immune cell function might help to identify novel treatment targets for autoimmune cholangiopathies.

Reference for this project:

https://www.uke.de/kliniken-institute/kliniken/i.-medizinische-klinik-und-poliklinik/forschung/index.html

Your tasks:

• 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
• Investigate the interaction of cholangiocytes with immune cells in vivo and in vitro using co-culture with 3D-cholangiocyte organoids
• Study in vivo mouse models of acute and chronic cholangitis
• Generate and interpret data: FACS, ELISA, WB, IHC, NGS, sc and snRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics
• Prepare and present your scientific data on national and international meetings
• Prepare manuscripts

This position is temporary for three years in accordance with the WissZeitVG and to be filled with 65 % of the regular weelky working hours.

• Applicants should hold a diploma or master degree in biology or related life sciences
• Documented interest, skills and experience in immunology and microbiology are welcome
• The successful candidate should be highly motivated and able to work in a team and collaborate with other research groups

• 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.