About this role
The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 30 clinics, 27 institutes and specialized centers. The over 8.000 employees offer medical care with state-of-the-art diagnosis and therapies, which meet highest international standards. Patient care is connected with basic and translational research at an internationally competitive level.
Hemoglobin is best known for its role in oxygen transport in red blood cells. Our preliminary findings indicate that it is also expressed by lung immune cells, where it may contribute to antiviral defense. These findings further suggest that the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1)/CD47 signaling axis limits hemoglobin expression and its associated antiviral antivity.
The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying hemoglobin-mediated antiviral defense and determine how this response is regulated by TSP-1/CD47 signaling. Combining mechanistic studies with in vivo models, we will explore whether targeting this pathway can enhance antiviral immunity while avoiding excessive inflammation and lung tissue damage.
At the Insitute of Medical Microbiology (working group of PD Dr. Torben Knuschke), we are therefore offering the following position, which is fully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and will start on 1 January 2027
Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize the intrinsic and extrinsic (paracrine) funtions of hemoglobin in lung immune and epithelial cells
Apply molecular biology techniques
Plan, perform, and analyze therapeutic intervention studies
Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
Assist in supervising Bachelor`s/Master`s students
A completed Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field
Solid background in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques
Experience in laboratory animal science (FELASA B) is an advantage
Strong interest in basic research in Virology/Immunology
Independent, structured, and team-oriented working-style
Excellent written and spoken English skills; German language skills are a plus but not required
An exciting, methodologically diverse PhD project in an internationally visible research field
Dedicated supervision of the doctoral project within a cooperative working group with regular seminars
State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at University Hospital Essen
Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences `BIOME` (https://www.uni-due.de/biome)
Salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L, E13, 65%), fixed-term for 3 years
A collegial working environment that encourages independent scientific ideas
Family-friendly corporate culture