Ph.D. student position (f/m/d)

Application deadline: 28/02/2025

Join our cutting-edge research team at the Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, part of the University Hospital Würzburg, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in vascular inflammation and platelet biology. This PhD position is embedded in the DFG-funded project "Platelet glycoprotein V as modulator of hemostasis, thrombosis, and thrombo-inflammation" and the ERC-AdG PITT-Inflame, offering an excellent interdisciplinary research environment.

• A stimulating research environment within an internationally recognized institute, providing top-level basic, translational, and clinical research opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge imaging techniques such as intravital multiphoton microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, and lattice light sheet microscopy.
• Close collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry, fostering the translation of basic research into clinical applications.
• Enrollment in the Graduate School of Life Sciences Würzburg, ensuring excellent training, mentoring, and career development.
• A position funded according to TV-L, with all associated benefits and security.
• Equal opportunity employer: Applications from women and disabled candidates are highly encouraged.

The PhD student selected will work on projects combining advanced imaging techniques (intravital multiphoton, super-resolution, lattice light sheet microscopy) and multi-omics approaches with mouse models of thrombo-inflammatory diseases. Besides microscopy, genetically modified mice, cell biological, biochemical and molecular biology approaches will be part of the project. The aim is to provide new insights into pathomechanisms and to explore experimental targeting in collaboration with our industrial partners.

Project

The position is embedded in the Institute of Experimental Biomedicine and linked to the DFG-funded project “Platelet glycoprotein V as modulator of hemostasis, thrombosis and thrombo-inflammation” and the ERC-AdG PITT-Inflame. In our laboratory, we study platelets and their precursors, megakaryocytes, in health and under diseased conditions. We utilize mouse genetics, disease models, advanced imaging techniques and clinical research expertise to study how the platelet-megakaryocyte axis drives thrombo-inflammation. Specifically, we are interested in translational research that deciphers the underlying molecular mechanisms in various thrombo-inflammatory disease settings with the aim to develop novel treatment concepts.

This project follows an interdisciplinary approach to understand how crosstalk of platelet adhesion receptors protects from vascular inflammation and how platelets interact with endothelial and immune cells to ensure vascular integrity and homeostasis in health and disease. Parts of the work will be performed in close collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry fostering translation of basic research into clinical application.

Your profile as a PhD or MD/PhD student:

• University degree (Diploma, MSc, or equivalent) in Life Sciences, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine or Medicine.
• Experience with mouse handling and in vivo and in vitro experimental techniques relevant to this field is preferable.
• Strong interest in the field of experimental platelet research with a focus on immunology or cardiovascular biology as well as in vivo imaging.
• Team player with self-initiative, creativity and an independent and responsible work ethic.
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English as well as computer literacy.

• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Flexible Working Hours
• Collegiality
• Sport and Fitness Options
• Employee Events
• Corporate Benefits