Ph.D candidate (f/m/d) (65 %) initially for a duration of 36 months

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver and represents a major cause of chronic liver disease. MASLD harbors the risk of progression to steatohepatitis and even to a life-threatening end stage disease, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A critical step driving the progression of a “benign” MAFLD to steatohepatitis is the infiltration of monocytes/macrophages in the liver and the subsequent formation of macrophage crowns surrounding lipid droplets (lipogranulomas). The project aims at understanding the mechanisms underlying lipogranuloma formation and resolution and their relevance for disease progression. The project is part of the research unit FOR5889 “dangerhep” recently funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), including also outstanding principal investigators from the Universities of Düsseldorf, Stuttgart and Tübingen.

• in vivo experiments with mouse models of fatty liver disease
• in vitro experiments with primary hepatocytes and co-cultures with macrophages
• the application of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques, such as ELISA, gene/protein expression analysis by realtime qPCR and immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Proteomics and metabolomics analyses, as well as intravital imaging with two-photon microscopy will be performed in collaboration.
• Learning and establishing further techniques necessary for understanding hepatocyte-macrophage interaction
• Presentations of results at international conferences and publication in renowned scientific journals

• Master's degree or diploma in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacy, toxicology, medicine, or a related field with an excellent final grade
• In-depth knowledge of cell culture, protein biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques. Experience with live imaging, mass spectrometry, and flow cytometry is an advantage.
• Willingness to perform animal experiments and learn microinterventions, such as taking blood samples from specific vessels of mice. Experience and FELASA-B certificates are an advantage.
• MS Office skills; experience with image processing software is also desirable
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

• A part-time position (65%) with currently 25,89 hours per week
• Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (position value EG 13 TV-L. The classification depends on the collective agreement and personal requirements)
• All social benefits provided by working for the public service: e.g. an annual bonus, payment of benefits
• Flexible working time models for the compatibility of family and career
• Excellent conditions for developing a scientific career, including: in-depth knowledge in the fields of liver research and toxicology (Examples of our publications: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.035; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109526; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2023.05.017); well-equipped cell and molecular biology laboratories, confocal and two-photon-based microscopy, flow cytometry, and a mouse facility with various reporter strains of liver cell types; Integration into an international network of leading scientists.