PhD Student Biology, Immunology - Cancer Research (m/f/d)

We have previously demonstrated important contributions of the microbiota to colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression (Peuker et al., Immunity 2022, Nat. Med. 2016). In this project, we aim to further dissect microbiota-dependent pathways that regulate CRC progression and metastasis, and to study age-dependent effects on CRC progression. You will be working with mouse models of orthotopic CRC development, including gnotobiotic mice, to study microbial contributions to CRC progression at different host ages. Furthermore, you will work with primary human and murine intestinal organoids in 2D and 3D co-cultures to study host-microbial interactions at the cellular level. To identify underlying molecular mechanisms and pathways, scRNA/snRNA and spatial RNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic studies will be performed. The long-term goal of this project is to identify druggable host-microbial interactions which promote CRC progression.

References:
1. Peuker K,...., Zeissig S. Microbiota-dependent activation of the myeloid calcineurin-NFAT pathway inhibits B7H3- and B7H4-dependent anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer. Immunity. 2022 Apr 12;55(4):701-717.e7.
2. Strigli A,..., Zeissig S. Deficiency in X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein promotes susceptibility to microbial triggers of intestinal inflammation. Sci Immunol. 2021 Nov 5;6(65):eabf7473.
3. Peuker K, Muff S,…, Zeissig S. Epithelial calcineurin controls microbiota-dependent intestinal tumor development. Nat Med. 2016 May;22(5):506-15.

Candidates hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Animal Science, or any related fields in biological sciences. Candidates ideally have expertise in the work with mice and basic microbiology and cell culture techniques. They are open-minded, active, and have a good command of the English language (oral and written).

The position offers an excellent opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic researchers in a cross-disciplinary environment. The position is integrated into the federally funded (BMFTR) consortium “Microbiome-based prevention of early-onset colorectal cancer” (Mi-EOCRC; www.mikrobiota-darmkrebs.de). Payment is according to the wage agreement of the civil service TV-L (65% of E13). Please note that there are no additional postgraduate degree fees required for international candidates. For more information, please refer to: Universitätsmedizin Greifswald Klinik Innere A

Competitive compensation and benefits: In addition to the collective wage agreement under TV-L (classification E13 depending on personal qualifications), Universitätsmedizin Greifswald offers attractive benefits such as company pension schemes and employee discounts.
Professional development opportunities: Regular training and development programs are offered to support personal and professional growth, keeping employees up-to-date with the latest research and technology.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Our employees have the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts from various disciplines, benefiting from an interdisciplinary approach in research and practice.
Research encouragement: Universitätsmedizin Greifswald actively supports your research projects, providing resources and infrastructure for developing innovative ideas and their implementation.
Work-life balance: Universitätsmedizin Greifswald advocates for a balanced work-life approach, offering flexible working hours and health promotion programs like the cooperation with Hansefit GmbH. Our family office assists you with your search for accommodation and any questions related to the topic of balancing family and work.
Hanseatic location: Greifswald is a charming university town near the Baltic Sea, known for its high quality of life, diverse cultural offerings, and historically rich surroundings for work and leisure.