The University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen is a highly specialised center for heart, cardiovascular and circulatory diseases and enjoys an international reputation. With 1500 staff, the heart centre is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The vision for its translational research centre, the Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine (IEKM), is to build bridges between basic and clinical research and to drive the advancement of knowledge on cardiovascular disease and therapy. We are looking for a
Fully-Funded PhD position in Cardiac Optogenetics (m/f/d)
The Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine (IEKM) is a modern, internationally organised research institute with flat hierarchies and currently around 35 employees and students.
Coordinated neuron–cardiomyocyte signaling ensures beat-by-beat control of heart function. The intra-cardiac nervous system comprises postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neuronal projections that, together with sensory afferent neurons and local circuit neurons, provide a complex regulatory system involved in the control of cardiac activity. This project aims to elucidate the macro-structure of parasympathetic and sympathetic neurons, their approximation sites with cardiomyocytes, the distribution of pre- and postjunctional proteins across all chambers of the healthy heart and the dynamics of neuron–cardiomyocyte signaling and downstream functional effects at the whole-heart level. The project is embedded within the newly established, DFG-funded Research Unit Dynamic Integration of GPCR Signaling to Control Organ Function and Animal Behavior (FOR 5807).
We offer:
- an outstanding international and interdisciplinary scientific environment with English as the working language
- access to up-to-date laboratories, cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure
- highly personalised supervision at the forefront of integrative biomedical sciences
- a diverse, vibrant and multi-cultural environment with the beautiful Freiburg located at the crossroads of Germany, France, and Switzerland
- membership of the Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), offering additional networking opportunities, translational skills training, and career guidance
Research will cover:
- a structural characterization of intracardiac neurons and their contact sites with cardiomoycytes
- optogenetic and electrophysiological assessment of neuronal control of cardiac activity
- main techniques involved: optogenetics, single-cell and whole-heart electrophysiology and mechanics, and 3D fluorescent imaging and reconstruction
Qualifications and Requirements:
- self-motivated students who hold an excellent MSc or equivalent in Biology or in disciplines relevant to biomedical research such as Biophysics, Neuroscience, or Physiology
- research experience in cell culture, fluorescence imaging, and in electrophysiology is required
- a solid background in biophysics, physiology and optical methods is compulsory
- certification of laboratory animal science course would be highly desirable
- scientific curiosity and the desire to actively shape your own research project are a must
- excellent communication skills in English (B2 or higher)
The Optogenetics Section of the IEKM offers a 3-year 65% PhD position.
Contact for more details about the position:
Franziska Schneider-Warme
