PhD Student (gn*) Life Sciences, Biotechnology or Biomedicine

Fixed-term for 3 years | Part-time at 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Department of Medicine D

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise in the Department of Medicine D – ideally with you on board!

Chronic kidney diseases are among the ten most common causes of death worldwide. Highly specialized podocytes play a central role in the kidney’s filtration function. Many nephrotic syndromes are caused by genetic variants in podocyte-specific proteins. One of these is Crumbs2, an apical polarity and cell-contact protein whose loss leads to damage of the kidney filtration barrier and can ultimately result in chronic kidney disease.

This project investigates the crosstalk between apical cell contacts – depending on Crumbs2 – and focal adhesions in podocytes. Genetically modified mouse models and cell lines as well as high-resolution microscopy, molecular biology methods, transcriptomic analyses, and proteomic analyses will be used to address this research question.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working with genetically modified mouse lines
• Processing and analysis of transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic samples from murine tissue and cell cultures
• Application of high-resolution microscopy techniques
• Complex genetic modification of cell lines
• Molecular and cell biological analyses to investigate podocytes

REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed university degree (M.Sc.) in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Biomedicine
• Very good knowledge of molecular and cell biology
• Practical experience with cell culture
• Willingness to conduct animal-based research as part of the research project
• Good knowledge of confocal microscopy
• Very good command of English
• Independent, structured and goal-oriented approach to work as well as reliability and team orientation

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to TV-L E13, Extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A well-equipped laboratory and close individual supervision
• Integration into a graduate school
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within an interdisciplinary team of biologists and physicians
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Annika Möller-Kerutt, Project Leader, T +49 251 83-44967

Apply now via our career portal.