The Institute for Immunodeficiency at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg (Lab for „Experimental Hematology“, Head: Dr. Branko Cirovic) is offering
PhD Student Position (Molecular Medicine/Biosciences/Biochemistry) (m/f/d)
Our research group is interested in how mature immune cells are generated and maintained throughout life by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
Disruption of these processes can have major clinical consequences, including increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
We address these topics using two complementary approaches:
(a) single-cell labeling of progenitor cells in their native environment (in vivo cell barcoding and clonal lineage tracing), and
(b) direct reprogramming of immune cells (transdifferentiation) to generate disease-relevant immune cell models for mechanistic studies.
Disruption of these processes can have major clinical consequences, including increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
We address these topics using two complementary approaches:
(a) single-cell labeling of progenitor cells in their native environment (in vivo cell barcoding and clonal lineage tracing), and
(b) direct reprogramming of immune cells (transdifferentiation) to generate disease-relevant immune cell models for mechanistic studies.
The long-term goal of our lab is to understand in detail how immune cells are produced in vivo and how these processes can be precisely manipulated to study and ultimately counteract disease. As a current research focus, we specifically investigate the consequences of somatic mutations arising in early hematopoietic progenitors, and we are expanding our work on immune cell conversion especially toward defined myeloid cell subsets.
As part of the Experimental Hematopoiesis group, you will join a small, interactive team, receive close training and mentoring, and have the opportunity to develop your own ideas within our research focus in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment. We value a curious mindset and team spirit.
Our core methodologies are:
- cell culture / cell reprogramming and differentiation
- flow Cytometry
- functional immuno-assays
- cell barcoding and lineage tracing (sequencing based)
- in vivo models
- molecular biology techniques
- cloning and viral vector production
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in immunobiology and enthusiasm for modern experimental approaches. Solid experience in cell culture and molecular biology is essential. Prior experience in flow cytometry, animal work, and data analysis in R is advantageous, but not required.
The position is a fixed-term contract for 36 months.
Medical Center – University of Freiburg
Institute for Immunodeficiency,
Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency
at the Center for Translational Cell Research
„Experimental Hematology“ lab
Dr. Branko Cirovic
Breisacher Str. 115, 79106 Freiburg
For further information please contact:
Dr. Branko Cirovic
0761/270-77540
0761/270-77540
branko.cirovic@uniklinik-freiburg.de
