2 PhD students (f/m/x) in the field of Neuro-Immune Interaction

1 postdoc and 1 PhD position on EU funded project at LMU Munich

We are looking for motivated candidates (1x fully funded postdoc positon and 1x fully funded PhD position) for a EU funded project unveiling fundamental principles of neuronal repair after stroke to develop novel treatment approaches preventing cognitive decline.

What do we offer?

We currently build a new team at the Institute of Stroke and Dementia Research (https://neuronal-repair.de) to continue the work we have started at the Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich. You will be integrated in the vital research environment at LMU, the Center of Stroke and Dementia Research (CSD - https://www.isd-research.de/isd-research) as well as of the Excellence Cluster SyNergy (https://www.synergy-munich.de) participating in lectures, seminars and retreats. You will learn state-of-the-art methods in neuroscience such as multiphoton calcium imaging in vivo, optogenetics, chemogenetics, micro-surgeries, histology and application of deep learning methods.

Aim of the projects?

The projects aim at understanding neuronal rewiring and reorganization as intrinsic repair mechanisms of the brain on a neuronal network level. We would like to understand how neurons form new circuits, reconnect and compensate for lost ones to enable the recovery of impaired sensorimotor and cognitive functions after CNS injury such as stroke. As we would like to understand causal relationships between neuronal rewiring and the behavioral phenotype we also develop deep learning algorithms for further analysis.

What do you bring in?

As a future PhD student: A very good Master or Diploma degree in physics, biomedicine, biology or bioinformatics or related topics; experience in programming (ideally Matlab or Python), ideally some neuroscience background with experience in animal experiments and calcium imaging; scientific creativity and ability to work in a team.

As a future Postdoc: A very good PhD thesis in neuroscience and experience with in-vivo work with mice. Ideally, you already have some experience with imaging technologies and optics and a solid knowledge in data analysis including significant programming skills (Matlab or Python). Independent thinking, creativity and the ability to work in a team are crucial.

We also require fluency in spoken and written English and ideally some knowledge in German.

The positions are available for the winter semester 2024. Gross salary will be according to the statutes of LMU Munich/ LMU University Hospital.

For informal enquiries please contact

Prof. Dr. Dr. Anna-Sophia Wahl

Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU Klinikum

Feodor-Lynen Str. 17

D-81377 Munich

Email: AnnaSophia.Wahl@med.uni-muenchen.de

https://neuronal-repair.de/

Our research focus and your tasks

Our research focuses on understanding the pathomechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), with a particular emphasis on protein aggregation and neuroinflammation.

Our recent work has uncovered disrupted neuroimmune interactions within both central nervous system (CNS) resident cells and peripheral immune cells. Our methodology encompasses a range of advanced techniques including immunopeptidome analysis, single-cell transcriptomics, T-cell receptor (TCR) cloning, adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems in human biosamples, primary immune cell culture, and in vivo rodent models.

We provide a highly international, adaptable, and well-equipped work environment conducive to productivity. We have recently received a ERC Starting Grant to further our understanding of altered neuro-immune interactions driven by protein aggregation in ALS/FTD.

Your profile

• A Master degree in the following fields: Biological Sciences or similar or Master in Medicine or Veterinary Medicine
  
• Preferred background in immunology, autoimmune diseases, or infectious diseases
  
• Experience with primary cell culture and/or animal research
  
• Fluency in English for communicating, writing, and presentation of scientific data
  
• Enthusiasm for exploring and innovating with new techniques
  
• Willingness to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary team of supportive scientists
  

We offer

• An international environment characterized by a strong focus on science and research.
  
• Opportunity to get hands-on experience with industry-standard automation technologies and facilities.
  
• Targeted personnel development
  
• The positions are initially limited to two years
  
• Employment, payment and social benefits are consistent with those at other research institutes
  

For questions prior to your application, please feel free to contact Dr. Qihui Zhou (qihui.zhou@dzne.de).