PhD Position in Cardiovascular Translational Research

For the newly established Professorship for Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology, led by Prof. Dr. med. Dario Bongiovanni, PhD, at the University Hospital of Augsburg, we are looking for a highly motivated PhD/Dr. rer. nat. student (65 % TVL E13) to investigate novel mechanisms of platelet-immune cell interactions and their impact on cardiovascular disease. The position is available from January 2026, with some flexibility in the start date and is limited to three years, with an option of extension.

Scientific Background
Despite advances in therapy, many patients with cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, continue to suffer from adverse outcomes due to persistent inflammation and thrombosis. Understanding the role of platelets and immune cells in these processes is essential to improve risk stratification and therapeutic strategies.
Our group has recently made substantial progress in elucidating how distinct platelet populations contribute to thrombosis in patients with coronary artery disease (Bongiovanni D. et al. Eur Heart J. 2025; PMID: doi: /eurheartj/ehaf694). Building on these insights, we are currently focusing on the role of platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLA) in cardiovascular disease, highlighting their prognostic significance and therapeutic potential (Bongiovanni D. et al Cardiovasc Res. 2025; PMID: ; doi: /cvr/cvaf105).
In addition to advancing biological knowledge, we have developed novel strategies for platelet characterization using state-of-the-art technologies. This includes applying mass cytometry (CyTOF) to comprehensively analyze platelet surface expression and reactivity (Bongiovanni et al. Platelets. 2022; PMID: , doi: / Furthermore, we contributed to the develop of Cyanus, a dedicated software framework for CyTOF data analysis (Brief Bioinform. 2022; PMID: , doi: /bib/bbab471).
This PhD project will build upon these advances, integrating cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches to unravel key mechanisms of thrombo-inflammation in cardiovascular disease.

Our Team
Our team is dedicated to advancing cardiovascular research and translating innovative findings directly into clinical practice. The research activities of the Professorship for Clinical and Translational Research in Cardiology span a wide range of topics, including experimental and translational biology, thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy, interventional cardiology, and digital health technologies. We aim to address clinically relevant questions by integrating molecular science with real-world patient data.

The group fosters a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that brings together clinicians, biologists, bioinformaticians and data scientists. This diversity of expertise enables us to take a unique approach to solving complex cardiovascular challenges, combining mechanistic insight with data-driven innovation. We benefit from direct access to clinical material, strong institutional support, and international networks. Our goal is to develop personalized therapies and improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.

Your Activities and Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research on platelet-leukocyte aggregates in coronary artery disease
• Use cutting-edge techniques, including multiomic approaches such as scRNA-seq, high-dimensional proteomics (CyTOF), and FACS
• Develop and refine experimental protocols for thrombo-immune interactions
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians to integrate and analyze complex datasets
• Communicate research findings though publications and presentations
• Supervision of master and medical students

Your Qualifications

• Master's degree in molecular biology, molecular biomedicine, biotechnology, or a related field
• Practical experience with techniques such as FACS, cell culture, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting
• Familiarity with bioinformatics methods is an advantage
• Strong interest in hemostasis, immunology, and cardiovascular biology
• Excellent data analysis skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Strong communication skills in English (oral and written)
• A publication track record will be a plus

What we offer

• A stimulating scientific environment with state-of-the-art technologies
• Freedom to pursue creative ideas in a translational cardiovascular research setting
• Strong national and international collaborations
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and attend international conferences
• Employee benefits in various companies
• The grouping takes place in TV-L taking into account your qualifications and personal requirements including the social benefits customary in the public service (company pension, annual special payment)

Recent work from our group published in leading journals demonstrates our expertise and commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine:

• Kirmes K, Han J, Klug M, Bloxham CJ, Babyak O, … Bongiovanni D. Reticulated platelets in coronary artery disease: a multidimensional approach unveils prothrombotic signalling and novel therapeutic targets. Eur Heart J. 2025; PMID:
• Han J, Bloxham CJ, Kirmes K, Viggiani G, … Bongiovanni D. Platelet-leukocyte aggregates in cardiovascular disease: prognostic significance and therapeutic potential. Cardiovasc Res. 2025; PMID:
• Ministrini S, Liberale L, Puspitasari YM, Han J, Kirmes K, Unkelbach LP, … Bongiovanni D, Camici GG. Direct Interleukin-6 Inhibition Blunts Arterial Thrombosis by Reducing Collagen-Mediated Platelet Activation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 PMID:
• Klug M, Kirmes K, Han J, Lazareva O, … Bongiovanni D. Mass cytometry of platelet-rich plasma: a new approach to analyze platelet surface expression and reactivity. Platelets. 2022; PMID:
• Arend L, Bernett J, Manz Q, Klug M, … Bongiovanni D, List M. A systematic comparison of novel and existing differential analysis methods for CyTOF data. Brief Bioinform. 2022; PMID:

Contact

Prof. Dr. med. Dario Bongiovanni
0821/

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a motivational letter, CV, list of publications (if applicable), transcript of records, 2 recommendation letters, and an English proficiency certificate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The position is available from January 2026, with some flexibility in the start date.

We look forward to your application

In addition to exciting tasks in a variety of fields, the university hospital offers you numerous attractive benefits and a meaningful job. You can find more information hier.

The position is suitable for people with severe disabilities. Applicants (m/f/d) with severe disabilities will be preferred if they are essentially the same aptitude, ability and professional performance. Women are invited to apply in accordance with Article 7 (3) BayGlG. When starting work at the Augsburg University Hospital, proof of sufficient immune protection in accordance with §§ 23, 23a IfSG must be presented or the same must be met.