For a DFG-funded project of the TRR338 “LETSIMMUN” (Lymphocyte Engineering for Therapeutic Synthetic Immunity), the research group “Mucosal Immunology” headed by Prof. Daniel Kotlarz at the Comprehensive Childhood Research Center of the Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital (CCRC Hauner) is now offering a position for a highly motivated PhD student.

The overall goal of our interdisciplinary and international research group is to explore molecular causes in children with life-threatening very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD). In particular, our laboratory focuses on decoding genetic and immune signatures of VEO-IBD by employing omics-based technologies and advanced preclinical models. Our studies will lead to new insights into disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment for children with this intractable disease.

The project will be conducted at the CCRC-Hauner (>130 interdisciplinary scientists) that has an outstanding track record in translational sciences and provides state-of-the-art core facilities (CF) (e.g., NGS, flow cytometry, microscopy). In parallel, we have a bioinformatics team at Helmholtz Munich that supports all projects leveraging advanced multi-omics, computational, and AI-driven infrastructures within the CHC, an emerging European hub for AI-driven precision medicine (>40 PIs). Our institutes follows the mission "Concept Pediatrics – the Child at the Center of Science" exemplifying the interaction of molecular research with patient-oriented clinical applications.

The successful candidate will use innovative viral and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome targeting approaches to generate human and mouse CAR Tregs and test their functionality, therapeutic potential, and safety in preclinical disease models, i.e. advanced co-culture models of human immune cells, intestinal organoids and mouse models. The candidate will be introduced into our innovative and advanced experimental pipeline of human disease models including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, induced pluripotent stem cells, intestinal organoids and mouse models. The project is integrated in the DFG-funded TRR338 and successful candidates will benefit from the IRTG graduate program.

• You are highly motivated and share our enthusiasm for translational science.

• You want to help pediatric patients by dissecting disease mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• You are a team player.
• You have completed or will soon complete a qualifying degree (Master, Diploma, or similar) in medicine, veterinary medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, or a related discipline.
• You have first experience in basic techniques of biochemistry, cellular biology, and molecular biology.
• You are a flexible and proactive person with strong interpersonal skills.

• The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, highly motivated, and international team in a research environment at one of Germany’s top universities.

• The lab is well-funded and well-equipped, with excellent support from core facilities.
• The successful candidate will be integrated into a structured PhD program.
• Candidates are expected to have documented expertise in immunological, molecular, cell biological and genetic experimental techniques.
• An established state-of-the-art experimental pipeline is available, with mentoring provided by advanced researchers.
• The position includes integration into strong international alliances and networks with worldwide leading research institutes.

• The position is initially for 3 years.
• Remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV-L) including all allowances customary in the public sector.

The Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital is committed to a family-oriented policy and an equal opportunity employer.