PhD student

Main tasksIschemic stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. In previous studies we have shown, that the inflammatory response in the ischemic brain is an important determinant for long-term stroke outcome. In this project, we will characterize the interplay of infiltrating CNS autoantigen-specific T cells with reactive brain-resident cells in stroke, and assess their functional consequences for the inflammatory post-ischemic tissue response and long-term regeneration. Understanding how antigen-specific T cells dictate the reactivity of brain-resident cells, and hence determine neuronal outcome during post-stroke inflammation will likely identify novel therapeutic targets enhancing neuronal survival and long-term recovery.We will use a well-established preclinical murine model of ischemic stroke. Animal experimentation, advanced immunological, cell and molecular biological techniques, as well as bioinformatics will be applied. Essential methods are isolation of brain resident cells (i.e. microglia, astrocytes, neurons) and immune cells, flow cytometry, single-cell RNAseq analyses, tissue studies with spatial and multiplex techniques.Your Tasksconception, execution, analysis and documentation of experiments, literature review, scientific writing and presentationThis project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The duration of employment is 3 years, with possibility for extension.Your ProfileScientific university degree in biology, life sciences or comparable science (diploma, master, or equivalent)Sound immunological and cell biological skills and knowledgePreferably, immunological experience and FELASA courseHigh interest in basic research, willingness to conduct animal experiments, ability to work independently as well as a part of an interdisciplinary research groupCommunication skills in EnglishImmunity statusPlease note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.Our OfferAttractive compensation according to TVöD/VKASecure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaborationComprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the teamExtensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and CareersOpportunities to contribute to our "UKE INside" personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projectsSustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle serviceFamily-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of careExcellent health, wellness, and sports programsA wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the "Health Kitchen" cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarketContactContact to the departmentPD Dr. Mathias Gelderblom // Dr. Antonella Carambia // Recruiting contactRecruiting Team About UsWe live diversity and value varietyWe 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.