The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them. The University Hospital of Münster, Germany, is offering at the earliest opportunity a position initially limited to 3 years. Phd Student (gn ) Immunology Part-time with 65 % (DFG/industry funded) Salary according to TV-L E13 Job Id: 7724 - gn=gender neutral We are seeking team-orientated, motivated PhD students with an immunology background to join our team. Project: The Raker lab studies the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune skin disease characterized by collagen accumulation in skin and internal organs. They aim to identify early intervention points in SSc pathology to halt fibrosis progression. In cooperation with partners in the pharmaceutical industry, candidates will study Vanins and cell death pathways and their potential therapeutic inhibition in systemic sclerosis. The projects use ex vivo patient material, in vivo and preclinical humanized mouse models, and 3D human skin equivalents to test drug candidates. The project will predominantly deal with human material, but also requires the willingness to perform necessary animal experiments to answer immunological-functional questions. Conceive, design and conduct flow cytometry, molecular and celluar assays Develop and independently execute immunological and biochemical assays Conduct ex vivo experiments to assess function of different skin cell types, such as fibroblasts and monocytes Develop and execute murine and human primary fibroblast culture Critically analyze and interpret data Contribute to optimizing protocols and establishing new methods Provide project updates to Principal Scientist Train students in lab rotations Discuss scientific results with other employees, contributing to multiple collaborative research projects Professional and responsible data documentation and archiving Perform statistical analysis and presentation of data with appropriate software (e. g. GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) Participate in scientific lab meetings Master/PhD degree in Immunology or related discipline Background in applying immunological and biochemical techniques to answer fundamental questions in immunology Proven expertise in flow cytometry FACS, spectral flow cytometry (>10 parameter), cell culture (and animal experimentation) Substantial hands-on experience with, and extensive knowledge of cellular immunology, cell-based immune functional assays, FACS cell sorting and isolation and culture of primary cells and relevant statistical analysis Significant experience working on human biology as it relates to inflammation and autoimmunity is preferred Knowledge on skin and/or hair research will be an advantage Good knowledge of written and spoken English Requirements: Willingness to work well in an interactive scientific environment and experience in all aspects of cellular immunology Willingness to work independently and as part of a team Organizational and problem-solving skills Willingness to prioritize work in order to meet tight deadlines Good coordination, time management, knowledge in data collection and analysis PhD students at the UKM are enrolled in faculty graduate programs including soft skill training, career training and board supervision. Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.