Prof. Oliver Eickelberg, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU)

The Comprehensive Pneumology Center, a translational research center dedicated to pulmonary medicine, was founded by three strong partners: The Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität with its University Hospital and the Asklepios Hospital München-Gauting. The Helmholtz Zentrum München is an expert in bridging fundamental experimental research with applied medical research, while the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University is one of the Top-Level-Universities in the German Excellence Initiative. In the framework of the NIM Cluster, the Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) is now seeking PhD students on "Cell-specific targeting in the lung using nanoparticles".

Our group focuses on lung tissue remodelling in chronic lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (1-3). In this project, the PhD candidate will focus on cell-specific targeting of mesenchymal cell types in the lung. As a technical approach, nanoparticles shall be targeted to cell-specific surface markers and tracked in the lung using advanced imaging in mouse models of lung disease. The established in vivo system will be used for further functional studies regarding the role of different cell populations in chronic lung diseases and their contribution to tissue remodelling in particular.

1. Königshoff M, et al. WNT1-inducible signaling protein-1 mediates pulmonary fibrosis in mice and is upregulated in humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2009
2. Fernandez IE, Eickelberg O. New cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung injury and fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lancet. 2012
3. Schleede S, et al. Emphysema diagnosis using X-ray dark-field imaging at a laser-driven compact synchrotron light source. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2012

Qualifications:

- Master or diploma thesis in molecular medicine, biology, biochemistry or related fields
- Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience of molecular and cellular biology techniques
- Commitment to a career in translational medical research
- Self-dependent, flexible, and highly motivated

Our Offer:
- Working in an innovative, well-equipped, and scientifically stimulating surrounding
- Involvement in the international CPC Research School "Lung Biology and Disease"
- Close mentorship and training opportunities.

More information about the group:
Prof. Eickelberg's website