Fully funded PhD positions for the Integrated Research Training Group "Heterogeneity and functional specialization of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments" (IRTG 355)
The JGU, the TUM and the LMU are calling for applications for the IRTG 355 program “Tregs and beyond” that combines top-level research and professional career development. The IRTG has the aim to foster scientific exchange between Mainz, Munich, Kiel, and other participating German institutions, and to function as a networking platform for the next generation of immunologists.
The doctoral program and the offered scientific projects focus on the "Heterogeneity and functional specialization of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments" starting from January 1st, 2023. The doctoral program and the available positions are funded by the CRC initiative “Treg cells”. Payment is based on the German federal public service scale TV-L (65% E13).
Research topics:
The overall aim of this initiative is to understand the heterogeneity and functional specialization of Treg cells in various functional and anatomical niches and diseases. More precisely, we aim to elucidate T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent and independent determinants that shape the Treg cell phenotypes across different organ systems. We want to understand how niche-specific factors such as cytokines, metabolites, and membrane-bound molecules expressed by local Treg cell interaction partners influence the phenotype and function of Foxp3+ Treg cells. Finally, we intend to interrogate the stability of tissue-specific imprinting of Treg cells in homeostasis and various disease scenarios. Our available projects will add a new collaborative perspective to the field of immune regulation and will bring together internationally renowned experts in Treg cell research and motivated early career scientists that aim to specialize in this field. It is the goal to dissect how immune regulators themselves are regulated with the overall vision to harness their potential for precision immunotherapy.
The individual projects will focus on one of the following research areas:
•The context- and tissue-specific heterogeneity and functional specialization of Treg cells
•The mechanisms that drive dysregulation of Treg cells in various tissues during disease states
•The specific interactions of myeloid cells that shape the development and function of Treg cells according to distinct anatomical niches
•The heterogeneity of human Treg cells
Participating Universities/ Research Institutions
•Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
•University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (UMC)
•Technical University of Munich (TUM)
•University of Kiel (CAU)
•Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig (HZI)
•Helmholtz Centre Munich
•Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM)
What we offer
Our doctoral program integrates internationally recognized research groups in a unique collaborative framework. The hosting institutions offer all relevant platforms and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art flow cytometry, imaging, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, biophysics, and single-cell analysis core facilities to train students and to help them develop their research. The research program is complemented by scientific seminars and workshops, as well as career development opportunities offered jointly by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität and the Technical University of Munich. Moreover, these efforts will be reinforced by web-based seminars and videoconference systems.
The PhD candidates will have access to:
•Excellent career opportunities in a vibrant international research community
•An English-speaking, fully funded, and structured PhD program and thesis advisory committees
•A culture of welcome and support for international students
•Individual supervision and mentoring that will permit the students to advance their proficiency in specific areas
•State-of-the-art facilities and innovative research projects
•Retreats offering transferable skills courses and specific method-related workshops relevant to the scientific questions of the PhD program
•Mobility grants for national and international short term lab visits
Qualification profile:
We are seeking highly qualified, enthusiastic students holding a M.Sc. or equivalent degree with a suitable background in life sciences e.g., biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, medicine, and bioengineering. Accordingly, the students are offered to obtain a Dr.rer.nat., a PhD or an MD/PhD degree. Applicants must be fully proficient in English; knowledge of German is not required.
All universities participating in the program are strongly committed to promoting equal opportunities regarding gender and diversity.
Applications of women are thus especially encouraged; disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be considered preferentially.
Furthermore, child-care services are available at all participating institutions to help researchers combine career and family.
