PhD position (all genders) - Extracellular vesicle homeostasis in health and disease

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by most, if not all, cells. They consist of lipids, proteins, RNAs and other small molecules. EVs transfer information from one cell to another by fusing with the recipient cell and releasing proteins, RNA and other molecules. Since all EVs are generated with material from the secreting cell, analyzing their composition may provide insights into the molecular state of these cells.
The main goals of the PhD project are to analyse cellular mechanisms that mediate protein loading into extracellular vesicles, to study disruptions of EV biology in disease and to generate EV signatures of different cell types.

Main tasks:

• Implementation and evaluation of complex and intricate experimental studies in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry and systems biology using state-of-the-art methods and techniques
• Presentation of experimental results at internal events and national and international conferences
• Participation in the preparation of scientific publications

The position is limited to 3 years (65% of regular working hours) due to third-party funding (DFG).

• Scientific university degree in biochemistry, cell biology, biology, human biology or comparable course of study
• Advantageous: Sound knowledge of cell biology and practical professional experience with molecular and cell biological techniques in the research field of extracellular vesicles
• Strong interest in basic biomedical research and enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration with international partners
• Desirable: Experience in analyzing large data sets (e.g. RNAseq, proteomics). Knowledge of Unix operating systems, Python and R
• Very good written and spoken English
• Ability to work in a team, commitment, independence, quick comprehension, coordination and organization skills
• Strong communication skills

Immunity status
Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

About us

We live diversity and value variety
We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.