Employer
Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Description
The laboratories of Dr. Alexander Lercher and Dr. Vibor Laketa at the Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID) are jointly looking for a PhD student (m/f/d) to investigate how past viral infection durably remodels the endothelium across organs and how this contributes to post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), including long COVID. The project tests the hypothesis that persistent vascular inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of PAIS. Using mouse models of respiratory viral infection under BSL-3 containment and complementary primary endothelial cell culture systems, the PhD candidate will determine whether vascular inflammation observed in patients is associated with characteristic tissue pathologies across multiple organs and will identify molecular mechanisms contributing to endothelial injury. Tissue characterization will combine histology and multiplexed immunofluorescence with quantitative fluorescence microscopy, resolving durable endothelial remodeling from whole organs to tissue slices to single cells, complemented by standard immunological and molecular readouts. Imaging approaches will be developed and applied together with specialists of the Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform (IDIP). The project forms the mechanistic arm of a multicentre research programme funded through the German Centres for Health Research and is closely connected to clinical partners, allowing experimental findings to be interpreted alongside patient data from a completed randomised clinical trial. This project will not only deepen our insights into the long-term consequences of past inflammatory responses but also contribute to much needed therapeutic options to treat PAIS.
Candidate requirements
We are looking forward to meeting highly motivated, interactive and team-oriented candidates with a passion for science and support them to become independent scientists throughout their PhD. Candidates should hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Infection Biology, or related fields) from an internationally accredited institution of higher education. A good theoretical and practical background in molecular and cell biological methods is required. Experience with mouse models and related qualifications (e.g. FELASA) are highly desired. Knowledge in immunology and virology, bioinformatic skills and experience with imaging and image data analysis are advantageous. A high interest in fundamental questions of infection biology and immunology and the willingness to establish and optimize novel model systems of PAIS under BSL-3 containment are highly sought after. Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; German is not necessary.
Further details
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Dr. Alexander Lercher and Dr. Vibor Laketa and will join an interdisciplinary international research network within the CIID at Heidelberg University. Imaging approaches will be developed in close collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform (IDIP). The project is embedded in a multicentre consortium funded through the German Centres for Health Research and includes close exchange with clinical partners. The work will be supported by cutting-edge facilities for imaging, deep sequencing, spectral flow cytometry and BSL-2 and BSL-3 infrastructure within the CIID research building.
Possible start of employment: Friday, 01 January 2027.
Contract: Full-time, Fixed-term
Please mention Science HR when applying
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