PhD student - cell culture (m/f/d)

PhD Student (gn*) Testicular Extracellular Matrix

Fixed term of 3 years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry | Job ID: 11710

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 - ideally with you on board!

The position is located in Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble’s research group on cell-matrix interactions, and is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University, University Hospital, and Max Planck Institute Münster as well as of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development - in both health and disease. To this end, we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural, and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi /genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis.

The Eble group investigates the cellular contacts of Sertoli cells between each other and with the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule. Of special interest is how the biochemical composition and biophysical condition of the basement membrane influence Sertoli cells and their ability to support spermatogenesis.

Responsibilities

• Developing a gel-based cell culture system to grow and differentiate Sertoli cells.
• Production of a recombinant integrin binding‑competent laminin fragment that mimics basement membrane properties after its immobilisation to the cell culture gel system.
• Establishing Sertoli cell lines expressing N‑cadherin mutants to study cell‑cell interactions.
• Characterizing the differentiation state of Sertoli cells by collecting data from e.g. flow cytometry, video and fluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, and transcriptome analysis.
• Analysing the cell biological, protein‑chemical and molecular biological data on the Sertoli cells, also in co‑culture with other testicular cell types.
• Collaborating with Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt’s group (Center for Reproduction Medicine and Andrology) and other PIs of the CRC1748.
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD‑Training Centre in Translational Science’.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, pharmacy and/or chemistry
• Strong interest in research of the extracellular matrix, of cell culture systems and testicular cell differentiation
• Previous experience with protein chemistry and cell biology
• High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written); German skills are advantageous

We Offer

• Research environment with the expertise and instrumental equipment to investigate cell‑matrix‑contacts, cell adhesion, migration and differentiation, at both molecular and cellular level
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• Structured PhD‑training programme with a wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• Salary according to tariff agreement, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team

Benefits

• Exciting Projects
• Professional Development and Training
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Part of Research InnovationAdditional Benefits