PhD Student Position: The Role of an Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in the Development of Multiple Sclerosis
Kennziffer: 2024-0318
- Heidelberg
- Vollzeit
- Pathogenesis of Virus Associated Tumors
„Forschen für ein Leben ohne Krebs“ – das ist unsere Aufgabe am Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrum. Wir erforschen, wie Krebs entsteht, erfassen Krebsrisikofaktoren und suchen nach neuen Strategien, die verhindern, dass Menschen an Krebs erkranken. Wir entwickeln neue Methoden, mit denen Tumore präziser diagnostiziert und Krebspatient:innen erfolgreicher behandelt werden können. Jeder Beitrag zählt – ob in der Forschung, in der Administration oder der Infrastruktur. Das macht unsere tägliche Arbeit so bedeutungsvoll und spannend.
The Division of Pathogenesis of Virus Associated Tumors is offering a
The research group of Prof. Dr. Henri-Jacques Delecluse is looking for a creative and highly skilled PhD student with a strong interest in biomedical research to study the role of the Epstein-Barr virus in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes multiple types of malignant tumors in humans. However, a recent large epidemiological study has demonstrated that EBV infection also constitutes the strongest single risk factor to date for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) (Bjornevik et al., Science, 2022). MS is the most frequent demyelinating disease, mainly affects young adults and leads to progressive neurodegeneration and disability. How EBV is involved in the pathogenesis of MS, remains disputed.
Our research group coordinates a joint international research effort, the BEHIND-MS consortium, that is funded by HORIZON Europe and consists of ten multidisciplinary research groups from various EU countries. PhD candidates will benefit from interactions with the vibrant research community involved in the BEHIND-MS consortium and at the DKFZ. The DKFZ has state-of-the-art core facilities in all areas of biology, including genomics, proteomics, imaging and immunology.
Ihre Aufgaben:
The project will involve characterization of interactions between the virus, the immune system and the central nervous system. Methodological approaches include manipulation of infected cells, reprogrammed neural cells, and the immune system, particularly T cells specific for viral antigens. Our group collaborates with the “Chronically progressive neurodegenerative diseases" research group (PI: Marc Thier) at the DKFZ, that will reprogram immune cells into neural progenitors and derive neural cultures and organoids.
Ihr Profil:
- Master’s degree in biology, medicine, biochemistry or related disciplines
- Previous experience in common molecular and cellular biology techniques,
competence in bioinformatics is an asset - Excellent command of written and oral English, with a proof of language proficiency (IELTS >6.5 or TOEFL>90)
A proof of language proficiency is not required for those coming from German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), as well as native English speakers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK and USA. - Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Applications should include contact details of two referees.
Unser Angebot:
- Hervorragende Rahmenbedingungen: modernste state-of-the-art Infrastruktur und Möglichkeit zum internationalen Austausch auf Spitzenniveau
- Zugang zu internationalen Forschungs-Netzwerken
- Doktorandengehalt mit den üblichen Sozialleistungen
- 30 Tage Urlaub
- Flexible Arbeitszeiten
- Möglichkeit zur Teilzeitarbeit
- Familienfreundliches Arbeitsumfeld
- Nachhaltig zur Arbeit: Vergünstigtes Deutschland-Jobticket
- Entfalten Sie Ihr volles Potenzial: gezieltes Training und Mentoring durch das DKFZ International PhD Program und den DKFZ Career Service
- Unser betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement bietet ein ganzheitliches Angebot für Ihr Wohlbefinden
Sie sind interessiert?
Prof. Dr. Henri-Jacques Delecluse
Telefon: +49 (0)6221/42-4870
