PhD Position (f/m/d) in Cancer & Microbiome Research: Microbiota's Role in Radiation Lung Toxicity

The position is based at the Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research) and the Institute of Medical Microbiology (PIs: Prof. Dr. Verena Jendrossek and Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Westendorf), linked to focus area T2 of GRK 2762, “Role of the host microbiota in radiation-induced lung toxicity.”
Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, but its effectiveness is limited by radiation-induced lung toxicity, stemming from abnormal healing responses to lung irradiation. This toxicity includes radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis in acute and late phases, with growing evidence suggesting a link between the gut microbiota and RT response and toxicity. This project aims to explore whether thoracic RT alters lung and gut microbiota, the role of these changes in RT-induced lung injury, and if the microbiome can be manipulated to affect disease progression. We will also investigate bacterial metabolites involved in these processes.

The GRK 2762 provides an internationally-oriented, interdisciplinary research and training environment for graduates in experimental or computational life sciences and (bio)medicine interested in cancer research and computational biology. (http://www.uni-due.de/med/forschung/grk2762/index.shtml).

• Innovative cross-disciplinary scientific training for PhD and MD students at the interface between radiation biology and oncology, precision medicine, and computational biology
• Training in transferable academic and soft skills
• Funding for active participation in workshops and conferences and international visits to collaboration partners
• Regular supervision and mentoring
• Excellent career opportunities
• Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
• Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards
• Family-friendly corporate culture

General conditions:

• The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal prerequisites.
• The University Hospital Essen is an equal opportunity employer. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply.
• The participation in secondary employment depends on the „Hochschulnebentätigkeitsverordnung“ of North-Rhine Westphalia.
• Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.