PhD Project "Immune-regulatory functions of lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells in cancer and autoimmunity" (LD_002) Heidelberg University

Date: 01/03/2023

Application Deadline: 31/12/2022

We aim to map lymphatic endothelial phenotypes in lymph nodes in a variety of diseases in mice

Lymphatic endothelial cells in lymph nodes are a heterogenous population composed of several subsets populating different lymphatic sinuses. These cellular subsets differ molecularly and functionally from each other, but their precise role in lymph node homeostasis and immune regulation are not well understood. Furthermore, these lymphatic endothelial subsets show distinct responses in pathological conditions, for instance during inflammatory responses or tumor growth. 
Our newly established group will be located at the European Center for Angioscience (ECAS) in Mannheim, a hub for vascular research with a highly dynamic, international and interactive research environment. We aim to map lymphatic endothelial phenotypes in lymph nodes in a variety of diseases in mice, including autoimmunity (multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes), chronic inflammatory diseases, and tumor growth, at the single cell level. Integration of these datasets and further computational analyses will be used to predict interactions between lymphatic endothelial cells and the immune system in the lymph node microenvironment, and to identify deregulated interactions in disease that could be targeted therapeutically. 
The provisional starting timepoint of the project is 1st of March, 2023. An earlier start can be negotiated.

Personal qualifications:

Enthusiasm for science, precision, team spirit, and high level of organizational and communication skills are essential. Computational skills, particularly in single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and R programming, or a strong interest to acquire those skills, is needed. Previous experience in mouse handling, tissue collection and digestion, and primary cell culture is a plus.

Please submit your application exclusively through the HBIGS application system: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/main_application.html

Please read more under "Open PhD Positions" on: http://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de