PhD Student (gn*) Institute for Experimental Pathology

Fixed-term until 30.06.2030 | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institute for Experimental Pathology

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise in the Institute for Experimental Pathology. We are based based at the Center for Inflammation Research at the University of Münster. This project is investigating the role of neutrophils in immunothrombosis and immunocoagulation during emergency granulopoiesis – ideally with you on board!

The laboratory of Carlos Silvestre-Roig is embedded in the Institute for Experimental Pathology. We focus on understanding the mechanisms controlling neutrophil development and function and how its dysregulation contributes to the development of acute and chronic diseases (Silvestre-Roig et al., Nature, 2019; Hidalgo et al., Cardiovascular Research, 2021). Neutrophils are our first line of defense against pathogens, however under persistent inflammation neutrophil can release of their toxic cargo ultimately causing tissue damage and organ malfunctioning (Silvestre-Roig, Nature, 2019; Silvestre-Roig et al., Nat Rev Cardiol; Hidalgo, Cardiovascular Research, 2021, Farjia, 2026). Neutrophils are no longer considered a homogeneous population dedicated solely to host defense. Instead, they display remarkable phenotypic and functional heterogeneity across developmental stages and tissue environments in both health and disease (Silvestre-Roig, 2016; Silvestre-Roig, 2019). During their production, emergency hematopoiesis causes the generation and release of neutrophils with distinct degrees of maturation. These subpopulations can help the host during infections (Silvestre-Roig, 2026) but also can contribute to organ disfunction and tissue damage (Hageb, 2025).

In this project, we aim to understand how different neutrophil maturation states contribute to immunocoagulation and thromboinflammation during infection and sterile disease. To achieve this, we will use state-of-the-art transcriptomics, spectral flow cytometry, and multiplexed antibody-based imaging in mouse models of immunocoagulation upon bacterial infection and sterile-induced thromboinflammation. The project is funded by the CRC TRR332, under the DFG funding programme. The successful applicant will join a major international neutrophil research network and will work with, and learn from, leading neutrophil experts in Germany.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Master’s degree in biology, biomedicine, or biochemistry (prerequisite)
• Experience in immunological techniques such as FACS, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy is appreciated
• Bioinformatic skills are desirable
• Independent, reliable, and structured way of working with a strong sense of quality
• Flexibility, teamwork, and communication skills and above-average motivation
• Very good written and spoken English language skills

WE OFFER:

• Gain in expertise of flow cytometry (regular and spectral flow cytometry), immunofluorescence and imaging techniques (epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, multiplexed antibody-based (up to 40 colors) imaging), molecular techniques (ELISA, Seahorse metabolic profiling), mouse models (surgery, infection and thrombosis models) and “omic” techniques (single cell transcriptomics)
• A dynamic, friendly, and stimulating scientific environment with teamwork, open communication, and supportive mentoring
• Salary according to TV-L E13, Extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

Apply now via our career portal.