PhD candidate - Organoid-based Cell therapy for COPD (f/m/x)

PhD candidate - Organoid-based Cell therapy for COPD (f/m/x)

102506

Full time

39 h/week

Neuherberg near Munich

We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover

breakthrough solutions for better health.

Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes,

environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and

repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the

fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and

technological development.

Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation.

Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research,

so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life

at the fastest rate possible.

This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is currently the third leading

cause of death worldwide. The limited symptomatic therapeutic options available

and the absence of a causative treatment that can reverse the progression of

COPD highlight a significant unmet medical need for novel therapeutics.

This PhD position is jointly held by the Yildirim/Conlon & Funk labsand

benefits from the longstanding experience in preclinical COPD models and

immunotherapy of the Yildirim/Conlon lab and the expertise in organoid

technology of the Funk lab. This position aims to develop an organoid-based

cell therapy for COPD. To this end, organoids will be transplanted into the

lungs of preclinical models of COPD to replace damaged lung epithelium. To make

this therapy as efficient and sustainable as possible, the organoids will be

engineered so that they can persist in the COPD characteristic inflammatory

environment and have a therapeutic effect, e.g. on immune cells.

You will be using cutting-edge methods, including pre-clinical animal models

of COPD, organoid cultures, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, multi-omics, single cell,

as well as traditional molecular and cell biological approaches.

Project-relevant literature of the labs: PMID: 33149305 PMID: 38113852 PubMed:

38055196

The position is to be filled by 01/01/2025.

Prof. Matthias Tschöp (Dr. Med., Dr. hc.),CEO of Helmholtz Munich:

"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different

perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in

their research topics.

Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to

ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also

implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."

Your tasks

• Work with lung organoids generated from primary mouse cells
• Engineer organoids
• Transplant organoids in preclinical COPD mouse models
• Analyze cell therapy/organoid transplantation by histopathology, imaging,

and flow cytometry

• Conduct gene expression analysis
• Perform in vitro and ex vivo cell culture assays with cell lines and

primary cells

• Manage projects, including data analysis, quality assurance, monitoring,

and writing reports and publications

Your profile

• Master's degree in biology, molecular biology, immunology, molecular

bioengineering or related area

• Very good practical experience and theoretical knowledge of standard cell

and molecular biology techniques

• Profound practical experience in (primary) cell culture; & experience with

organoids (is an advantage)

• Previous experience with animal (mouse) models
• Passion for science, innovation and creative and independent work
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable qualifications

• Experimental experience with CRISPR/Cas9 system is advantageous but not

crucial

• FELASA B or equivalent certificate is advantageous but not crucial

Benefits

• Scientific Training

Helmholtz Munich Graduate School

• Career counseling

Career Center for PhD candidates

• Recreation

30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays

• Health Promotion

Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

• International Staff Service

Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge

whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to

make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective

Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50%TV EntgO

Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if

the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of

three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications

from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality,

ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified

applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference. If you have

obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you

regarding the comparability of your degree.Please request the Statement of

Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Maja Funk,

apply.job.24441048@hokifyjob.com who will be happy to help.