The PhD position is available in the lab of Prof. Stefanie Scheu
Institute of Immunology
at Rostock University
The lab of Prof. Stefanie Scheu conducts research in infection immunity, autoimmunity, and CNS inflammation with a specific focus on early events in immune responses.
Tetraspanins are a family of proteins that play an important role in the regulation of cellular processes critical for immune defence against pathogens. A less well characterised member of this family is the tetraspanin Tspan2. Tspan2 was originally identified in oligodendrocytes of the central nervous system. Among immune cells, we have recently found that Tspan2 is highly expressed in neutrophils. In an exploratory approach to characterise the molecular interaction partners of Tspan2, mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Tspan2 may interact with proteins involved in key processes of neutrophil functions.
PhD position (f/m/d) available in immunology
Activities and responsibilities
The aim of this project is to characterise the functions of Tspan2 in neutrophils. The influence of Tspan2 in anti-infectious immune responses will be investigated in a chlamydial infection model, where neutrophils are critically involved in the local inflammatory response and associated immunopathology.
Techniques used will include multicolor FACS, transcriptome profiling with bioinformatic analysis, confocal microscopy, protein biochemistry and various immunological assays.
Qualification profile
We are looking for an excellent and highly motivated PhD student with an interest in the immunology of infectious diseases. Candidates should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a science/life science discipline with the aim of pursuing a PhD. Expertise in cellular and molecular immunology, experience in multicolour FACS and cell culture and/or bioinformatics is an advantage.
Candidates should have a very good command of written and spoken English.
We offer
We are an international team of highly motivated basic research scientists and graduate researchers. Our lab is well networked within in the national and international scientific community and within the biomedical research groups of the Rostock University Medical Center.
Funding is provided in the form of a third party scholarship initially for the duration of 24 months with the possibility of an additional 12 month extension. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.
If you feel that you can make a valuable contribution to our field of research, want to learn and establish new techniques and would like to be part of an enthusiastic team please send an email containing - as a single PDF file:
- a motivation letter stating research and career interests
- your CV
- copies of relevant school and university certificates
- letters of recommendation or contact information for references
Only applications that fulfill all the formal requirements will be considered!