PhD position in infection and immunology

A 3 year fixed PhD contract position is currently available as part of an interdisciplinary project within an international environment at the Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology in Giessen, Germany. The successful applicant will join the Reproductive Biology Research Group under the direction of Prof. Dr. Andreas Meinhardt. To be eligible for this position, you must be able to commence no later than June, 2012.

Project Overview

The underlying causes of male infertility following infection with uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC) are not clearly understood. Infection and inflammation of the epididymis may attribute to impaired male reproductive function as a consequence of spermatozoa or germ cells being directly exposed to pathogens and associated inflammatory products.

Project Aims

Specifically, we aim to elucidate consequences of UPEC infection in the epididymis, and how UPEC modulate host immune responses via multiple molecular biology techniques such as RT PCR, Western blot, ELISA as well as in vivo mouse models. Furthermore, we wish to examine the impact of UPEC infection on targeted immune cells within the epididymis which may regulate host inflammatory responses and impact on sperm maturation. This will be assessed by employing techniques such as FACs, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Sperm integrity and function will also be analyzed using techniques including Raman spectroscopy (collaboration with Muenster).


Methoden:
The applicant will have experience in molecular biological techniques such as RT-PCR and cloning, have knowledge of morphological analyses (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence). Confocal microscopy and FACS are advantageous for this position. Previous experience is required in cell culture techniques. As in vivo models are used in this project you must be willing to work with animals.

Anfangsdatum: 1. Juni 2012

geschätzte Dauer: 3 years

Bezahlung: approximately 1,100 euros / month

Veröffentlichungen:
Bhushan S. et al.,2011, PLoS One. 2011;6(12): Epub 2011 Dec 2.



Homepage: http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/fb11/institute/anatomie/intro/arbeitsgruppen/ag-reproduktion

The successful applicant will have completed a Masters Degree in the areas of Cell Biology, Biochemistry or Immunology and have above average grades (>70%).

English language, both spoken and written, is critical.

The University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity. Completed applications should include a CV including the names of three academic referees, two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts (translated into English) compiled into a PDF format.

Applications close 12 noon, Friday 30th March, 2012.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.