PhD student (f/m/d) on the emergent topic of immunomechanics

31.07.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

This exciting project focuses on the emergent topic of immunomechanics. We are interested in understanding how the mechanical microenvironment of the airways impact macrophage behavior and responses to air pollution in health and disease.

At the Chair of Neurobiological Engineering (TUM School of NAT), a four-year PhD position is available in the project team of Dr. Janna Nawroth from 01.10.2024.

Project tasks include:

-Learn state-of-art air-liquid-interface (ALI) human respiratory cultures and potentially Airway-on-Chips

-Develop real-time microscopy measurements of macrophage behavior in different mechanical environments and air pollution challenges

-Conduct molecular, transcriptional and potentially epigenetic (single-cell) analysis to reveal the underlying pathways and potential drug targets

-Work in close collaboration with Dr. Eric Keaveny’s team of physicists and mathematicians at Imperial College London to develop a computational model of the mechanical forces acting on the macrophages

Candidate qualifications and special requirements:

-As part of the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies (JADS) program at the TUM International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE), the candidate will be spending a total of 12 months at ICL to integrate the experimental and computational studies; for more information on this program and its formal requirements see https://www.igsse.gs.tum.de/en/igsse/research-programs/joint-academy-of-doctoral-studies/

-This project requires high levels of self-motivation, interdisciplinary learning and communication, willingness to learn about biomechanics, independence/self-initiative to learn new tools and concepts, and mobility.

-Experience in wet lab methods, microscopy and/or image processing preferred but not required

-Candidates should hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or related fields

-Candidates should provide 1 or 2 professional references available to be contacted

Starting Date: October 1st 2024 Duration: 4 years

Main Location: Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Munich (Neuherberg)

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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Kontakt: Dr. Janna Nawroth - [email protected]