Biologe (m/w/d)

The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 30 clinics, 27 institutes and specialized centers. The over 8.000 employees offer medical care with state-of-the-art diagnosis and therapies, which meet highest international standards. Patient care is connected with basic and translational research at an internationally competitive level.

Hemoglobin is best known for its role in oxygen transport in red blood cells. Our preliminary findings indicate that it is also expressed by lung immune cells, where it may contribute to antiviral defense. These findings further suggest that the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1)/CD47 signaling axis limits hemoglobin expression and its associated antiviral antivity.

The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying hemoglobin-mediated antiviral defense and determine how this response is regulated by TSP-1/CD47 signaling. Combining mechanistic studies with in vivo models, we will explore whether targeting this pathway can enhance antiviral immunity while avoiding excessive inflammation and lung tissue damage.

At the Insitute of Medical Microbiology (working group of PD Dr. Torben Knuschke), we are therefore offering the following position, which is fully funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and will start on 1 January 2027

Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize the intrinsic and extrinsic (paracrine) funtions of hemoglobin in lung immune and epithelial cells

Apply molecular biology techniques

Plan, perform, and analyze therapeutic intervention studies

Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications

Assist in supervising Bachelor`s/Master`s students

A completed Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field

Solid background in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques

Experience in laboratory animal science (FELASA B) is an advantage

Strong interest in basic research in Virology/Immunology

Independent, structured, and team-oriented working-style

Excellent written and spoken English skills; German language skills are a plus but not required

An exciting, methodologically diverse PhD project in an internationally visible research field

Dedicated supervision of the doctoral project within a cooperative working group with regular seminars

State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at University Hospital Essen

Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments

Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences `BIOME` (https://www.uni-due.de/biome)

Salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L, E13, 65%), fixed-term for 3 years

A collegial working environment that encourages independent scientific ideas

Family-friendly corporate culture