Werde Teil des UKE Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf Teams: PhD student position

Main tasks

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an enigmatic liver disease characterized by a chronic inflammation leading to scarring and obliteration of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. There is no licenced pharmacological treatment with a proven benefit on the disease course, leading PSC as major cause for liver transplantation in the western world. The disease pathogenesis is largely unknown but it is widely believed that PSC is an immune mediated disease. The mechanisms causing misguided immune cell differentiation are poorly understood but several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have associated PSC to polymorphisms related to immune cell- and particularly T cell-function. Within this project, we aim to decipher the impact of genetic risk factors on immune cells differentiation and function. We will investigate immune cell activation, regulation and interaction with a focus on disease- associated polymorphisms. Existing and newly generated data from people with PSC will be examined to reveal signaling pathways and cellular interactions. State of the art techniques such as spectral flow cytometry, single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics as well as human organoid cultures will enable the identification of new therapeutic targets.

Your tasks

• Examine immune cell populations and cellular interaction on a single cell level
• Generate and interpret data: FACS, ELISA, WB, IHC, scRNAseq
• Generate human organoid cultures
• Prepare and present your scientific data on national and international meetings
• prepare manuscripts

Your Profile

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

Immunity status

Our Offer

• Regular pay according to TVöD/VKA; attractive company pension plan and various employee discounts
• 30 days of vacation; possibility of special leave
• Central location: Our clinic is centrally located at the beautiful Eppendorfer Park
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the HVV-ProfiTicket and Dr. Bike bicycle service; option to lease a service bike
• Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful activity, appreciative interaction and open exchange of knowledge within the team; structured induction training
• Opportunity to actively shape and develop the working environment within the framework of our employee program (UKE INside).
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, prevention and sports offers
• Healthy and varied lunch break: In addition to our canteen, there is a ri