Doctoral Researcher/PhD

The position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is part-time (65 % of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65 %).

The DFG funded graduate school GRK 2573/2 “The inflammatory tumor secretome – from understanding to novel therapies” is initiated by scientists from the Universities of Marburg and Giessen. This research training group GRK 2573 with a focus on the role of the tumor secretome in tumor progression and therapy resistance is characterized by its interdisciplinary composition of basic research-oriented as well as clinicllay active scientists. The inclusion of different tumor entities enables competitive research activity in the field of tumor secretome.

The project is part of the GRK 2573/2 and a collaborative research effort involving two PhD students: one in the AG Verena Taudte (research focus on metabolomics) and the other in the AG Niklas Gremke (registration number: fb20-0117-wmz-2024, research focus on translational studies). Together, both PhD students are investigating the role of metabolic alterations in therapy resistance and tumor-stroma crosstalk in breast cancer, with the aim of uncovering new therapeutic targets.

Prof. Taudte's research group is working on mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. The focus here is on intercellular communication via metabolites within the tumor microenvironment and how this influences the function and plasticity of cells. Samples are obtained using molecular biological methods from AG Gremke and analyzed using state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods. We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join our dynamic team and bring a great interest and enjoyment to translational biomedical research.

Tasks:

• scientific services in research
• state-of-the-art investigation of metabolic dysregulations in the tumor microenvironment
• establish sample preparation protocols and subsequent state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods (LC-MS and GC-MS) for targeted and untargeted metabolomics, as well as flux analyses of cell culture and mouse models
• investigate metabolic alterations within therapy-resistent breast cancer cells and their secretome as well as the effects of dysregulated metabolites on the tumor microenvironment using the established metabolomics/flux workflows
• biological interpretation of the results
• active participation in GRK activities, conferences and seminars

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to § 2, 1 WissZeitVG.

Profile:

• completed scientific university studies (Diploma, MSc-degree or equivalent) in a biomedical and/or natural science field such as human biology, biochemistry, chemistry or pharmacy
• prior knowledge in the field of mass spectrometry (coupled with LC and/or GC)
• very high motivation, commitment and work ethics
• excellent communication skills in English
• basic knowledge of statistical analysis (e. g., with R or GraphPad)
• interest in molecular biological techniques
• ambitious student who is interested in joining an interdisciplinary and international research consortium

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

Contact for more Information

Dr. Karen Schwabe

+49 6421-28 66232

karen.schwabe@uni-marburg.de

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 21st July 2024 using the application button below.