PhD Student (gn*) Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry

Fixed term 3 years | Full time with 38.5 hours | Salary according to TV-L | Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry

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 of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry. Research in the institute is focused on the structure and function of the extracellular matrix and integrin receptors, and how cell-matrix interactions affect developmental processes, tissue homeostasis and pathophysiological processes such as inflammation – ideally with you on board!

RESEARCH PROJECT:

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN)

REMOD-HEALING: “Targeting Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in Cutaneous Wounds to Promote Better Healing”

REMOD-HEALING is a research network of leading European and Latin American scientists from academia and industry, who want to tackle the burden of pathological wounds by exploiting therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with extracellular matrix remodelling in cutaneous wounds. Through its research and training activities, the REMOD-HEALING project will contribute to scientific advancement and innovation in wound healing and regenerative medicine through a coordinated, interdisciplinary effort, ultimately leading to societal and economic benefits.

The following project is offered at the University of Münster: Mapping and quantification of collagenase activity in protease-damaged tissue; Subject area: Vascular and stromal ECM, cell adhesion, recombinant production of ECM and mammalian collagenases, protein chemical modifications, protease assays, (in situ) zymography, CD spectroscopy, FRET and FLIM

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generate collagenase-sensitive probes whose cleavage site depends on native triple-helical conformation of collagen
• Equip these collagenase-sensitive probes with FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer)- and FLIM (fluorescence life time microscopy)-capable molecular moieties, which enable fluorescence-based real-time monitoring of their cleavage
• Determine characteristic features of the probes, such as thermal stability of the triple-helical conformation as well as affinity and selectivity for different proteases (e.g. collagenolytic and gelatinolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs)
• Use the probes to localize and quantify collagenase activity in damaged tissue (tissue samples of snake bites and other skin wounds by zymography)
• Use the probes to assess the inhibition of collagenase-targeting tools on different collagenases
• Develop non-cleavable homologs of the collagenase-sensitive probes that block the active site of collagenases

EXPECTED RESULTS:

• Develop novel, diagnostic tools for mapping and quantifying collagenase activity within wounded tissue
• A test to determine collagenase activity as a marker of (aberrant) wound healing
• This study will also bring forth lead structures based on triple helical collagen structures, that may serve as collagenase inhibitor that can also be used in mechanistic studies
• Acquisition of common methods of molecular biology (e.g. cloning, PCR), of protein expression, purification and modification, of protein-chemical analysis and detection, of biophysical measurement (e.g. circular dichroism, fluorescence polarisation, FRET analysis) and of microscopy (e.g. fluorescence microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, video microscopy, as well as of cell culture technology (e.g. adhesion, migration, and invasion assays)

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Master‘s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry
• Experience in protein biochemistry, molecular biology and/or cell biology
• Willingness to learn new methods and technologies in an international and intercultural team environment

WE OFFER:

• A 36-month project as Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee in one of the participating institutions with the objective of receiving a doctoral degree (PhD)
• State-of-the-art research in an international consortium with highly integrated research projects
• Expert training in basic and applied research, along with a thorough understanding of the process involved in transitioning from basic to pre-clinical research
• Research training periods in another consortium member's lab
• Training in both academic and industrial research environments
• Salary according to EU guidelines for Marie Skłodowska Curie trainees, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable
• 3-month secondment at CNRS Lyon, France in the lab of Dr. Catherine Moali for fluorescence polarisation measurements of collagenolytic activity
• 3-week placement at Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark in the lab of Dr. Signe Holm Nielsen for testing the collagenase activity probes as an applicable biomarker assay

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble, email: eblej@uni-muenster.de

Apply now via our career portal until December 31, 2025.

Please include in one single pdf file:

• Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)

• Summary of your Master‘s thesis (max 1 page)

• Transcript and scanned copy of Master’s degree certificate

• Two letters of recommendation or the names and contact details of two referees

Applicants should not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to their recruitment date.