PhD Student Molecular Diagnostics

PhD Student

Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and

Molecular Diagnostics

20 hours / week, temporary contract with possibility of extension up to 3 years

Salary scale of the University Hospital Leipzig (UKL)

Earliest start: 01.05.2025

Closing date for applications: 28.02.2025

Research Area: We are seeking a strong early career researcher for an open PhD position. The successful candidate will investigate the interaction of the pericyte-specific transmembrane receptor CD248 with the maladaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) in diabetic kidney disease and obesity (see PMID 36309126) using cell biological, protein biochemical and in vivo approaches. We identified that the pericyte specific transmembrane receptor CD248 is a central mediator of glucose-induced UPR and associated sterile inflammation in diabetic kidney disease and that CD248 is associated with adipose tissue inflammation. Modulation of CD248-associated UPR activation may provide novel therapeutic strategies to treat UPR-mediated disorders in diseases associated with pericyte dysfunction.

Scope of the position: The successful candidate will study the regulation of CD248-associated UPR activation and intra- and intercellular signaling in vitro and in vivo . We will use advanced in vitro methods, omics approaches and innovative in vivo models. Detailed structure-function analyses based on newly generated structural data will be performed to define the molecular mechanisms as a basis for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Recent publications from the Isermann lab include:

1. Zimmermann (2024), KidInt, PMID: 39089576
2. Manoharan (2024), Immunity, PMID: 38141610
3. Rana (2024), KidInt, PMID: 37774921
4. Krishnan (2023), KidInt, PMID: 36309126
5. Al-Dabet (2022), Nat Communication, PMID: 36030260
6. Gadi (2021), Circ Research, PMID: 33353373
7. Kohli (2021), Blood, PMID: 32870264

For more information about our research profile, see:

Requirements: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a biomedical field (biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, physiology or equivalent) and preferably have previous experience in at least one of the methodological areas of this project: cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, flow cytometry, microscopy, immunohistochemistry. The position will be paid according to the German civil service salary scale.

Research Environment: The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative institute and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, mouse genetics, and the latest imaging applications including light sheet and FRET microscopy. The Medical Faculty is located within the University of Leipzig with direct access to numerous research facilities of the University and extramural institutes such as the Helmholtz, Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes. All of these institutes are within walking distance of the medical campus, providing a very supportive environment for young students to pursue their doctoral studies. The University of Leipzig embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will foster a climate that attracts all students, staff and faculty.

Please apply by February 28, 2025 for full consideration. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, including a current list of publications, a research statement, and the names and contact information of three references. Applications should be submitted electronically in PDF format to .

Contact:

Dr. Ronald Biemann
Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry, and Molecular Diagnostic
Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Paul-List Straße 13/15, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

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