The human body is home to myriad microbes which are known to play crucial roles in health and disease. These microbes – collectively referred to as the microbiome - constantly produce antigens, metabolites and other cues, which are sensed by the immune system. T cell lymphocytes therein represent one of the bodies most prominent tools to detect and deal with foreign antigens.
At mucosal barrier sites, anti-microbial T cells are constantly exposed to their putative cognate antigens resulting in theory in a situation of constant stimulation. This is somewhat reminiscent of the situation encountered during chronic viral infections and cancer, where constant antigen exposure results in a dysfunctional state known as T cell exhaustion. Preliminary data from our group indicated the expression of exhaustion-associated molecules in mucosal T cells, however it is not clear how these impact on the cells and what kind of consequences this has for the functional properties of the affected cells.
In this PhD project, the candidate will isolate and characterize anti-microbial T cells using different in vitro and in vivo assays and a variety of methods including TCR-transgenic mouse models, genetically modified commensal bacteria, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing including bioinformatic analyses. A particular focus will be on the assessment of markers of T cells exhaustion in anti-microbial T cells and the resulting impact on protective immunity.
We are offering excellent research conditions and a friendly and highly collaborative working atmosphere as part of a well-established and successful research group. Within the framework of the TUM graduate school many possibilities exist to further extend your qualifications through educational programs.
Required qualifications
The candidate should hold a Master degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine or related field in life sciences and should be willing to conduct animal experiments. Previous experience with preclinical models of disease, immunology and bioinformatics is advantageous. The candidate should also be open minded, active and have a good command of the English language (oral and written).
Application deadline
Applications will be considered until the 12th of December 2023. Speculative applications are always welcome.
Contact person:
Dr. Carl-Philipp Hackstein, carl-philipp.hackstein@tum.de
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Zehn, dietmar.zehn@tum.de
Application
Applicants are asked to send one pdf file to the contact persons. The file should contain:
- motivation letter (1/2 page)
- curriculum vitae, including (if applicable) a list of publications
- copies of academic degrees and transcripts of records,
- contact information for at least one letter of recommendation,
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.
Die TUM strebt eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an, Bewerbungen von Frauen werden daher ausdrücklich begrüßt.
Diese Stelle ist für die Besetzung mit schwerbehinderten Menschen geeignet. Schwerbehinderte Bewerberinnen und Bewerber werden bei ansonsten in der wesentlichen gleichen Eignung, Befähigung und fachlichen Leistung bevorzugt eigenstellt.
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The human body is home to myriad microbes which are known to play crucial roles in health and disease. These microbes – collectively referred to as the microbiome - constantly produce antigens, metabolites and other cues, which are sensed by the immune system. T cell lymphocytes therein represent one of the bodies most prominent tools to detect and deal with foreign antigens.
At mucosal barrier sites, anti-microbial T cells are constantly exposed to thei