PhD position Biology (m/f/d)- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

As part of the Research Training Group “Targets in Toxicology – Deciphering therapeutic targets in lung toxicology” (GRK 2338) , we are offering a PhD position focusing on lung biology. The structured Ph.D. program (Ph.D. in Medical Research) combines highly interdisciplinary research projects with specialized training in the pathophysiology of the lung and the entire discipline of toxicology through an internationally renowned research network. The aim of the Research Training Group is to train a new generation of highly qualified toxicologists. Further information about the Research Training Group GRK 2338 can be found on our website:

About The Institute

The Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology (IPT) is part of the TUM School of Medicine and Health of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), one of the leading universities in the European Union. The IPT is part of the Cluster for Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Munich (CNATM), one of the seven winners of the Clusters4Future initiative of the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). The research consortium consists of research groups from the leading universities LMU and TUM, researchers from the universities of Regensburg and Würzburg, as well as the Helmholtz center Munich, and 14 industrial partners from the Munich area. The outstanding infrastructure and experience present in the institute provide an ideal environment for a project to succeed.

Activities and Responsibilities

Lung diseases, both acute (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and chronic (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), impose a significant global health burden. These conditions are characterized by inflammation, tissue remodeling, and progressive airflow limitations. Macrophages, key players in the innate immune system, drive disease pathology. Current treatments primarily manage symptoms but fail to halt progression, highlighting the urgent need for advanced therapies. Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a promising approach to targeting „undruggable“ genes with faster and more cost-effective development than traditional drugs. However, challenges such as degradation, delivery, and immunogenicity remain.

To overcome these hurdles, our research focuses on developing chemically modified nucleic acid-based therapies that specifically target pulmonary macrophages and are delivered via local inhalation. This novel strategy holds high translational potential for both acute and chronic lung diseases. Our group has extensive expertise in cell targeting across various disease models and RNA research. To further advance targeted RNA therapies, we seek a motivated PhD student to join our team.

Personal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dr. Stefan Engelhardt

Benefits

• You will receive a 3-year contract with the possibility to prolong, payment according to TV-L (E13 / 65%).
• Benefit from international networking and exchange opportunities.
• Join a highly motivated and international team with a high Postdocs to students’ ratio.
• Participate in several seminars, workshops and further training courses.

Qualification Profile

• You are a highly motivated student that takes great interest in research, is curious and excited to learn and optimize new methods and experimental approaches.
• Practical experience in molecular biology, cell culture and, ideally, RNA methodologies.
• You have a high degree of responsibility, are independent and enjoy working in a team.
• Good command of English (written and oral).
• M.Sc. or Diploma in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biotechnology or any related discipline.
• Performing a wide spectrum of molecular, cell biology-related and computational methodologies and techniques, such as primary cell isolation, functional assays to test drug candidates, RNA-detection methods, flow cytometry, generation and analysis of RNA-Seq data etc.
• Bioinformatic investigation of genetic/transcriptomic signatures and molecular pathways leading to lung injury and repair.
• Performing chemical modifications of nucleic acid-based therapies and subsequent purification and characterization.
• Molecular, cell biological, physiological, histological examinations of pulmonary emphysema or fibrosis, with advanced imaging techniques and analyses.
• Examinations in pre-clinical disease models with state-of-the-art pre-clinical research in lung disease in vivo.
• Writing and presenting your scientific work.
• Within the framework of the CNATM, you will be able to attend workshops (e.g. analysis of Next Gen sequencing data) and perform experiments in collaborating labs in both academia and industry.
• Work closely with the project-leading principal investigator.
• Operate state-of-the-art technologies and instruments, such as the Chromium (10x Genomics) for single cell sequencing, high content imaging system or a cell sorter.

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