Postdoc Position in Endocrinology/Immunology/Toxicology

Your position

Glucocorticoids belong to the most widely used drugs to treat inflammatory diseases. Resistance to endogenous and pharmacological glucocorticoids is a major problem. The proposed project investigates endogenous and exogenous substances that influence glucocorticoid sensitivity. In collaboration with rheumatologists, we will analyze steroid profiles in patients with rheumatic diseases, attempting to identify markers indicating glucocorticoid resistance. Using macrophage models, the impact of endogenous and exogenous substances on corticosteroid receptor sensitivity and cytokine production will be studied.

The successful candidate will collaborate with our senior analytical scientist to determine/analyze steroid profiles from patients with rheumatic diseases after treatment with glucocorticoids. In collaboration with rheumatologists, the candidate is expected to perform data analyses, combining steroid concentrations and clinical data.
In addition, a main part of the project includes the establishment and use of protocols with macrophages for the investigations of endogenous and exogenous substances that alter the sensitivity of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors for their ligands. Such substances can contribute to the increasing numbers of individuals suffering from exaggerated inflammatory diseases. Thus, it is important to identify such hazardous compounds and characterize their mechanisms of action. For this purpose, mainly in vitro assays will be applied.
The successful candidate should have a PhD with solid skills in life science methods, and experience in macrophage models and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will be integrated in an international research environment and is expected to contribute to the activities of our group as well as to writing manuscripts and grant proposals. We employ a multi-disciplinary approach and look for a highly motivated, pro-active and interactive team player.