Project description: Inflammatory lipid mediators and their receptors are key drivers of vascular disease in extracranial arteries, but their contribution to cerebral small vessel disease and intracranial atherosclerosis is poorly defined. The aim of this project will be to comprehensively profile inflammatory signaling networks in neurovascular diseases and identify candidates as potential therapeutic targets. Mouse and cell models will be employed and findings compared with human biobank transcriptomics data. In addition, pre-identified targets will be studied for causality by hypothesis-driven pharmacological blocking approaches and genetic mouse models. The Steffens Lab will team up with the Bernhagen Lab and other research groups at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia (ISD), in the context of CRC 1744, and combine expertise to investigate inflammatory chemokine and lipid signaling networks in neurovascular diseases.
Your training environment: You will join the structured PhD program, the Munich Medical Research School. In addition, you will join the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) of CRC 1744, which will provide exceptional training opportunities including structured mentoring, advanced technical workshops, interaction with other students, diversity support, and retreats.
Your profile: Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Science, or a related subject. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, good team players, yet capable of working independently. Candidates should be fluent in English. Experience with experimental animal handling (FELASA certificate), advanced imaging, flow cytometry, cell culture, or omics analysis will be advantageous but not required.
We offer: We will offer a stimulating scientific environment at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, and our collaborations partners at the ISD, with international and multidisciplinary teams and state-of-art infrastructure for imaging and spatial transcriptomics. We will offer close supervision by the PI and postdocs, as well as opportunities to present your results in national and international conferences. The position is funded by the DFG. The salary will be according to the German model for the public sector (TV-L E13, 65%). The University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer. Handicapped candidates with equal qualifications will be given preference.
Application: Please submit a single PDF containing (1) your complete CV, (2) motivation letter, (3) academic transcripts (BSc and MSc), (4) contact details of 1-2 referees to:
Sabine Steffens: sabine.steffens[at]med.uni-muenchen.de
(refer to: PhD application neurovascular disease)
