Topic | Innate immunity plays a critical part in the host defense against infection but also in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic and malignant diseases. Primary regulators of innate immunity are the so-called pattern recognition receptor (PRRs) which sense internal or external danger and trigger molecular and cellular responses that lead to immunological effector responses. Our lab has a strong track record in PRR signaling pathways and has been contributing insightful results in the areas of microbial recognition, initiation of inflammation and oncogenesis. At current, our activities are focused on the recognition of fungal chitin by TLRs, the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK), MyD88-dependent oncogenic signaling pathways and the role or neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)-associated RNA (naRNA) in psoriasis and neutrophil activation. Our vision is to elucidate the molecular workings and immunological consequences of these disease-relevant processes to a level that will allow for safely harnessing their considerable translational potential. We do so together with many academic, clinical and industrial partners in Tübingen, in Germany and abroad. The postdoc position is aimed to considerably strengthen these research areas, especially our focus on BTK-NLRP3 inflammasome function.
Suggested reading | Liu et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017: Human NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein (NLRP3) inflammasome activity is regulated by and potentially targetable through Bruton tyrosine kinase | Fuchs et al., EMBO Rep 2018: The fungal ligand chitin directly binds TLR2 and triggers inflammation dependent on oligomer size | Weber et al., Cancer Immunol Immother 2018: Oncogenic MYD88 mutations in lymphoma: novel insights and therapeutic possibilities | Herster et al., Biorxiv 2019: Neutrophil-extracellular trap-associated RNA (naRNA) and LL37 enable self-amplifying inflammation in psoriasis.
Methods/skills | Immunology techniques (PBMC preparation, cell culture of cell lines and primary human/ mouse immune cells, ELISA, flow cytometry), molecular biology (mutagenesis, PCR, sub-cloning), protein biochemistry (SDS-PAGE, immunoblot, immunoprecipitation, chromatography), fluorescence microscopy, in vivo experiments, data analysis (e.g. Prism), scientific writing and presentation. Experience in these areas will be highly desirable.
The team | In order to advance our vision and strengthen our efforts we hope to recruit additional excellent and enthusiastic researchers, including one postdoc. You would become part of a research group with a solid track record, and located in an excellent scientific environment, the Department of Immunology, located on the campus of the University of Tübingen, one of Germany’s Excellence Universities. In our well-funded and set-up laboratory you would find a dynamic, friendly, well-connected and internationally minded (English- and German-speaking) environment, and a firm commitment to good supervision and professional development.
Further information | Visit our website
www.immunology-tuebingen.de. Position to start 06/2019, so apply NOW German TV-L E13 100% Point on salary scale dependent on job-relevant experience. The postdoc position is fully funded for 3 years. Thereafter possibly extendable or upgradable to a junior group leader position (E14 payscale).
Your profile | PhD and ideally additional research experience in molecular/cellular biology, microbiology/virology, protein biochemistry and/or immunology and several of the abovementioned techniques; high motivation to work independently and as part of a team; reliability, enthusiasm, critical eye, good documentation skills, very good command of the English language (written and spoken); willingness and ability to supervise/train students, write scientifically and to apply for a faculty-internal grant upon arrival.
Your application | Please apply electronically to
[email protected] with all of the following: Motivation letter (max. 1 A4), CV, transcripts and certificates (PhD, MSc and BSc), support letter from >1 previous supervisor, English language certificate, other certificates (e.g. FELASA). Both German and international applications encouraged. International applicants will be supported to attend German courses but German skills are not required to apply successfully. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews scheduled accordingly.
