The Ph.D. candidate will elucidate how sepsis impinges on cellular an humoral immunological memory. The project is part of the Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC, http://www.cscc.uniklinikum-jena.de/cscc/en/CSCC-p-7.html) at the Jena University Hospital (JUH) and the School of Medicine of the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena. The CSCC is one of the Integrated Research and Treatment Centers in Germany, which are funded by the BMBF (German Ministry of Education and Research).

Within this project the graduate student will be trained in basic and advanced immunological techniques including multiparameter flow cytometry, ex vivo detection and analysis of antigen-specific T-cells, cell sorting, cell proliferation; cell transfer and depletion experiments and animal handling and welfare. The graduate student will be part of the Jena International Graduate School of Molecular Medicine (www.jsmm.uni-jena.de/cms/) which provides a structured scientific education in addition to the graduate students' lab projects.

The long-term immunological sequelae of sepsis are unknown. During sepsis, a large proportion of lymphocytes undergo apoptosis. It is unknown if the carriers of immunological memory (memory T-lymphocytes and plasmacells) are affected by sepsis-induced cell death and, therefore, which long-term consequences sepsis has for the generation and maintenance of immunological memory. To address these questions experimentally is the goal of this project.

Requirements

Qualified applicants are those with a higher-than-average master or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (e.g. immunology, biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine).

A strong interest in immunology, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Prior experience in a research laboratory will be helpful. The candidate has to demonstrate work flexibility. Self-motivation and curiosity are essential to be part of an international interdisciplinary team of clinicians and basic scientists. JUH aims to increase the percentage of women at the institution; therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply. Fluency in English is essential, fluency in German will be helpful but is not mandatory.

Disabled persons with same qualification will be favoured.

Candidates are asked to supply meaningful job application documents including CV in table form, university transcripts/testimonials and references by August 10th, 2012. PDF-documents via e-mail are considered to be particularly suitable for submission (address below). JUH will not send application documents back. Please submit copies only.


Prof. Dr. Thomas Kamradt / Institut für Immunologie – Universitätsklinikum Jena, 07740 Jena, Germany / E-Mail: immunologie@mti.uni-jena.de