Who are we?
We are an energetic neuroscientific team in “Translational Somatosensorics” focusing on pain and neuropathy research at the Department of Neurology.
Whom do we seek for?
A strong and industrious, eager, and reliable PhD candidate of Life Sciences or related Faculty who is enthusiastic about neuroscientific work.
Background:
Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder with multiorgan involvement, particularly affecting the nervous system and the heart. FD is caused by mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in alpha-galactosidase A deficiency and lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). The PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary project, investigating autonomic dysfunction and cardiac pathology in FD. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be used to generate sympathetic neurons and cardiomyocytes to study how GLA deficiency and Gb3 accumulation disrupt neuronal signaling, cardiac function, and neuro-cardiac crosstalk. This will be accomplished by combining molecular analyses, high-resolution imaging, functional Ca2+ and electrophysiological measurements, and metabolome/proteome studies with clinical phenotyping. Ultimately, the project aims to identify early disease mechanisms linked to arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy and develop new mechanism-based therapeutic approaches.
We are an energetic neuroscientific team in “Translational Somatosensorics” focusing on pain and neuropathy research at the Department of Neurology.
Whom do we seek for?
A strong and industrious, eager, and reliable PhD candidate of Life Sciences or related Faculty who is enthusiastic about neuroscientific work.
Background:
Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder with multiorgan involvement, particularly affecting the nervous system and the heart. FD is caused by mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in alpha-galactosidase A deficiency and lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). The PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary project, investigating autonomic dysfunction and cardiac pathology in FD. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) will be used to generate sympathetic neurons and cardiomyocytes to study how GLA deficiency and Gb3 accumulation disrupt neuronal signaling, cardiac function, and neuro-cardiac crosstalk. This will be accomplished by combining molecular analyses, high-resolution imaging, functional Ca2+ and electrophysiological measurements, and metabolome/proteome studies with clinical phenotyping. Ultimately, the project aims to identify early disease mechanisms linked to arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy and develop new mechanism-based therapeutic approaches.
Neuro-Cardiac Crosstalk in Fabry Disease
Activities and responsibilities
Tasks PhD candidate:
− Advanced cell culture (iPSC, sympathetic neurons) and neuro-cardiac co-culture
− qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry
− Patch-clamp/multielectrode array analyses
− Large data analysis (proteomics, metabolomics)
− Advanced statistics (e.g. multivariate analysis)
− Advanced cell culture (iPSC, sympathetic neurons) and neuro-cardiac co-culture
− qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry
− Patch-clamp/multielectrode array analyses
− Large data analysis (proteomics, metabolomics)
− Advanced statistics (e.g. multivariate analysis)
Qualification profile
Prerequisites:
The project is a close collaboration with the Streckfuß-Bömeke lab (Pharmacology/Toxicology), thus strong communication and organization skills are required. The candidate will be enrolled into the Graduate School of Life Sciences.
− Cell culture experience is mandatory.
− Experience in molecular biology and microscopy techniques is desired.
− Practical knowledge in stem cell research and electrophysiology is beneficial.
The project is a close collaboration with the Streckfuß-Bömeke lab (Pharmacology/Toxicology), thus strong communication and organization skills are required. The candidate will be enrolled into the Graduate School of Life Sciences.
− Cell culture experience is mandatory.
− Experience in molecular biology and microscopy techniques is desired.
− Practical knowledge in stem cell research and electrophysiology is beneficial.
We offer
We offer:
We offer a supportive and collaborative TEAM environment with strong supervision, structured scientific work, continuous exchange, and plenty of room for personal development and active shaping of the project.
Funding:
Our project is funded by the Würzburg Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) in collaboration with the Streckfuß-Bömeke lab (Pharmacology/Toxicology).
Start and duration:
Start is possible from July 2026 on, 3 years, 65% TVL-E13.
We offer a supportive and collaborative TEAM environment with strong supervision, structured scientific work, continuous exchange, and plenty of room for personal development and active shaping of the project.
Funding:
Our project is funded by the Würzburg Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) in collaboration with the Streckfuß-Bömeke lab (Pharmacology/Toxicology).
Start and duration:
Start is possible from July 2026 on, 3 years, 65% TVL-E13.
PI and contact:
Please send your application including a motivation letter to Prof. Dr. N. Üçeyler email.
Please send your application including a motivation letter to Prof. Dr. N. Üçeyler email.
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