the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying the unrestricted Th17 cell response observed in autoimmune inflammation

PhD student position in immunology at the Division of Rheumatology of the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich available (head: Prof. Dr. H. Schulze-Koops). Applications are invited from highly motivated and outstanding students with a Master degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry or immunology to study Th17 cells in autoimmune disease. Our recent studies have identified Th17 cells as a major player in human autoimmune arthritis. Using various approaches, the PhD project will investigate the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying the unrestricted Th17 cell response observed in autoimmune inflammation.
Requirements:
• graduation at a Master level (or equivalent) by the time of application with an above-average university degree (B+ or better; 2+ or better)
• strong interest in immunology/ autoimmunity, and enthusiastic about research lab work
• experience in cell culture and molecular biological techniques is advantageous
• able to work both independently and co-operatively within a team
• qualified to communicate and perform research in English
You will:
• join a young and international research team with vast expertise in the field of T cell biology in a recently constructed, modern state-of-the-art scientific labs (head: Dr. A. Skapenko)
• learn how to understand, think and conduct top science, and how to master the most advanced techniques in molecular and cell biology
• present your data at international meetings and author exciting research papers
• benefit from a highly structured training program that involves weekly seminars, lectures given by internationally recognized speakers, hands-on methods courses, research retreats as well as mediation of soft skills.
The project is funded by the „FöFoLe“ program at the University of Munich and is closely related to projects within the graduate program „Oligonucleotides” and the center grant „Autoimmunity“ (SFB571). The salary will be according to standard public service salary (1/2 TV-L E13).

How to apply:
• by e-mail: enclose in a single PDF file: CV, school transcript and university diploma, brief summary of research experience, and contact information of two referees
• to Dr. Jan Leipe, jleipe@med.lmu.de, Rheumaeinheit, Med. Poliklinik, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 München, Germany

Only those candidates considered suitable for the above post will be notified via e-mail and will be invited for an interview.
The application deadline is 1st July 2010, and we will interview immediately afterwards for the studentship which will be assigned as soon as possible.