The position is part of the project "Molecular mechanisms of CO2-sensing and their significance during healing of intestinal anastomoses", and is externally funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) within the Emmy Noether Programme. The position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine. The salary is in accordance with the collective labor agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H). 

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for an initial period of 3 years. An extension for up to another 2 years is possible under the above-mentioned condition. 

The research group is located in the Science Tower of University Hospital Giessen adjacent to the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), offering a vibrant and stimulating environment for young researchers. During the project, we will investigate novel molecular CO2-sensing mechanism and their effect on macrophage differentiation and activation. In addition, the effect of CO2 and CO2-adaptive signaling pathways on healing and regeneration of the gut will be determined. 

The PhD position will be embedded in the local graduate program International Giessen Graduate Centre for the Life Sciences (GGL) with outstanding training opportunities in interconnected research fields and a well-established mentoring program. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art technologies in molecular biology and basic science in an internationally completive scientific training program. 

Your tasks at a glance 

• Cell culture experiments (hypoxia chamber) and assays (e.g., western blotting, RT-PCR, real-time flow cytometry) 

• Performing immunohistochemistry and spatial omics experiments (10x genomics®, Nano-string®) 

• Training in micro-surgery and animal handling 

• Tissue handling of patient samples 

• Analysis and data presentation during group meetings, national and international conferences, and publications in scientific journals 

• Supervision of MD- and Master-students 

• Development of an own scientific profile during the PhD thesis 

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification. 

Your qualifications and competences 

• Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in Life Sciences (Biology, Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine or comparable fields of study) 

• Experience or high interest in in vivo models of regeneration and inflammation 

• Advanced experience in flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blotting, and primary cell culture 

• Experience in RNA-Sequence data analysis (e.g., R) and bioinformatics would be advantageous 

• Excellent time management and communication skills 

• Will to work in an international team within in a highly collaborative environment 

• High motivation and enthusiasm for basic science, translational physiology, and biology 

• English or German skills at C1 or higher 

Our offer to you 

• A varied job with flexible working hours 

• A great working environment in a research group addressing basic research questions relevant in health and disease, such as “How do cells sense O2, CO2, or pH?” or “How does the gut regenerate and maintain its integrity upon tissue damage and inflammation?” 

• Learning and mastering cutting-edge methodology in our lab (e.g., multi-color barcoding flow cytometry, Co-IP, or mass spectrometry) and in core-facilities around the campus 

• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen) 

• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities 

• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments 

• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "Audit familiengerechte Hochschule") 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact PD Dr. Dr. med. Moritz J. Strowitzki (MD, PhD) by phone (+49 641/985-44701) or by e-mail (Moritz.Strowitzki@chiru.med.uni-giessen.de). 

JLU aims to employ more women in academic research. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply. JLU is regarded as a family-friendly university. Applicants with children are very welcome. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference. 

You want to break new ground with us? 

Apply via our online form by December 12th, 2024, indicating reference number 695/11. Applications should consist of a cover letter, CV with list of publications, copies of the last university degree (MSc or equivalent) including a marksheet, and two reference contacts (merged as a single PDF). We look forward to receiving your application.