Introduction
We are a highly motivated group at the Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Lübeck, Germany. Located at the Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), we are investigating the function of tanycytes in the central regulation of metabolism and hormone axes. Tanycytes are specialized glial cells that line the third ventricle. By using sophisticated imaging techniques like calcium imaging and super resolution (STED) microscopy as well as advanced viral strategies we aim to understand their function.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for the following PhD project: Tanycyte diversity

Project Description

The project is funded by the European Research Council and deals with the role of tanycytes in neuroendocrine regulation. We are part of the French-German-Spanish research consortium WATCH that focuses on tanycyte biology. The three partners interact closely.

Experimental Methods

• Working with genetically modified mice
• STED microscopy
• Acute brain slices
• Molecular biology and viral techniques
• Gene expression analyses

Our Offer

• 3-year employment contract, salaries according to German civil service tariff (TV-L 13, 65%)
• Excellent work environment at the Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM) with state-of-the-art lab facilities incl. animal facility, PET scanner, metabolic core unit, LC-MS, STED and 2-photon microscopy
• Comprehensive academic support, e.g. soft skills training, funding for research stays abroad and international conferences
• Working in the city of Lübeck among many UNESCO World Heritage sites and directly on the Baltic Sea coastline and part of the Metropolitan area of Hamburg, Germany's second largest city and home to a wide range of cultural and leisure attractions

Your Qualifications

• Research-based master’s degree or equivalent (e.g. diploma) passed with an above-average grade in molecular life science, infection biology, neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, pharmacology or a related subject (if you are working on the master thesis and expect to graduate in 2022, you can still apply)
• Excellent English language skills in speaking and writing
• Pro-active attitude, good communication skills and ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary team

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted till the position is filled. 

Please send the required documents (English or German) in one PDF to  Prof. Dr. Schwaninger/ pharma.office@uni-luebeck.de:

• A detailed CV
• A letter of motivation
• Two letters of recommendation
• Degree certificates and grade transcripts (Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees)
• An abstract of master thesis

Tentative start: earliest Mai 2022.

Contact
Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaninger, Dr. Helge Müller-Fielitz, Phone: +49 451 3101 7200

For further information see  Interaction between Tanycytes and the hormone axes: Pharmakologie und Toxikologie (uni-luebeck.de)