Kawakami lab is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate

Project overview: The group is investigating the role of T cells, especially focusing on the autoimmune diseases. We use two-photon microscopy to visualize the motility of autoantigen specific T cells throughout the process of T cell infiltration into the CNS in living animals. Recently, we used CRISPR gene editing to identify critical regulators of autoantigen specific T cell infiltration into the CNS. Now we will apply these cutting-edge technologies to investigate how T cells contribute to the lesion formation after ischemic stroke. We will team up with Dr. Corinne Benakis’ team, in the context of CRC1744, and combine our expertise to investigate molecular mechanisms of T cell infiltration and subsequent lesion formation in post-ischemic brain.

Your training environment: You will join the structured PhD program, the Munich Medical Research School. In addition, you will join the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) of CRC 1744, which will provide exceptional training opportunities including structured mentoring, advanced technical workshops, interaction with other students, diversity support, and retreats.

Your profile: Candidates should have (or will have soon) a Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Science, or a related subject. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, good team players, yet capable of working independently. Candidates should be fluent in English. Experience with basic experience in fluorescence/confocal microscopy, CRISPR-mediated gene modifications, experimental animal handling (FELASA certificate), flow cytometry, or cell culture will be advantageous.

We offer: We will offer a stimulating scientific environment at the Biomedical Center (BMC), LMU with international and multidisciplinary teams and state-of-art infrastructure for imaging. We will offer close supervision with PI as well as opportunities to present your results in national and international conferences. The position is funded by the DFG. The salary will be according to the German model for the public sector (TV-L E13, 65%). The University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer. Handicapped candidates with equal qualifications will be given preference.

Application: Please submit a single PDF containing 1) your complete CV, 2) motivation letter, 3) academic transcripts (BSc and MSc), 4) 1-2 letters of recommendation or contact details of referees to:

Naoto.Kawakami@med.uni-muenchen.de

The Peters lab is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Master’s thesis student. 

During your time in the lab, you will investigate the role of the cytokine IL-23 in the development of EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. You will work with different conditional knock-out mouse lines and investigate the role of IL-23 derived from different immune cell types in vivo. You will isolate immune cells from different organs including the central nervous system and characterize these immune cells by multi-parameter flow cytometry. Thus, experience with flow cytometry as well as a FELASA B certificate for the work with laboratory animals are advantageous but not mandatory.

The starting date for this project is flexible anytime between fall and winter 2025. If you are interested, please send your CV and a letter of motivation to Dr. Anneli Peters (Anneli.Peters@med.uni-muenchen.de). The Peters lab is looking forward to your application.