Job Description

We are looking for highly motivated PhD candidates with a strong passion for immunology! If you are eager to explore the mechanisms of CD8 T cell dysfunction in the liver during chronic HBV infection, and to uncover pathways that could restore effective anti-viral CD8 T cell immunity, this is the right place for you.
You will be embedded in the renowned SFB-TRR179 consortium, which brings together leading research groups from the universities of Freiburg, Heidelberg, and Munich.

Percy A. Knolle, TUM, Munich

More details you will below 👇

We are looking forward to your application!

In a project within the DFG-funded SFB Transregio initiative TRR179, we investigate the mechanisms determining the control of persistent infection with the Hepatitis B Virus
(HBV). Persistent HBV infection in more than 250 million individuals worldwide is caused by dysfunctional antiviral T cell responses and leads to chronic hepatitis that can result in
liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, leading to more than 1 million deaths per year. The project aims to develop the basis for novel immune therapies to reconstitute protective immunity
and control persistent infection. We are searching for two PhD students to work on distinct projects. In a first project, we aim to understand the molecular mechanisms by which virus-
specific CD8 T cells are rendered dysfunctional through a recently published liver immune rheostat mechanism (Bosch et al. Nature 2024) in order to overcome the limitations of the
immune rheostat for protective T cell immunity. In a second project, we aim to complement dysfunctional virus-specific CD8 T cells, which fail to eliminate virus-infected hepatocytes,
with effector CD8 T cells that can execute auto-aggressive killing (Dudek et al. Nature 2021).
The results of the projects are intended to be used as a starting point for developing novel immune therapies to combat chronic hepatitis B.
Your responsibilities:
▪ Investigation of tissue-derived molecular mechanisms that regulate CD8 T cell effector functions in the liver
▪ Use of cutting-edge technologies in experiments such as multi-parametric flow cytometry, time-resolved cytotoxicity assays, in situ imaging of immune cells in tissue
with confocal microscopy and MALDI-imaging, and preclinical mouse models of viral infections of the liver
Skills & Experience:
▪ University degree in natural or life sciences
▪ Preferably, expertise in immunology and experience in working with mice
▪ Preferably, hands-on experience in technologies handling human or murine primary liver cells and immune cell populations, and experience in high-parametric flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, or confocal microscopy
▪ Team-player qualifications and good communication skills
We offer:
▪ Excellent research conditions
▪ A highly motivated and interdisciplinary team, and a friendly working atmosphere
▪ Possibilities to further extend your qualifications through educational programs within the DFG-funded collaborative research center TRR179 “Elimination vs persistence of hepatitis virus infection”
▪ Corporate benefits such as EGYM-Wellpass
The position is already available. Interested candidates should send a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and at least two reference letters (or the referees’ contact info) as a single document.
Contact information
Further information and applications contact: percy.knolle@tum.de and michael.dudek@tum.de.