PhD student in the field of basic research (f/m/d)

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PhD student in the field of basic research (f/m/d)

Operational area: Institute of Experimental Molecular Imaging

Working hours: 65% of the full working hours in the collective agreement (currently 38.5 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment : the position is limited for 3 years in accordance with the WissZeitVG (German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act) with option of prolongation. The successful applicant will be encouraged and supported to achieve a doctoral degree.
Start date: as soon as possible
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)

Tasks:

The project aims to establish vascularized 3D colorectal tumor spheroids within mesoscopic, MRI-compatible bioreactors and to validate a newly developed, DWI-based biophysical modeling approach of the tumor microenvironment.

• Establishment and cultivation of vascularized, heterotypic murine tumor spheroids in perfusable, MRI-compatible bioreactors; protocol development and quality control
• Preparation and conducting of MRI measurements in cooperation with "Faber research group" Münster, including exchange between both groups
• In-vitro therapy screening and histological validation using bioreactor systems
• In-vivo therapy screening (mouse models)
• Data analysis and fitting of the applied biophysical model
• Documentation, preparation of publications, and presentation of results at conferences

Profile:

• Master of Science in Biotechnology, biomedicine, chemistry, etc.
• Solid cell culture expertise ideally in 3D systems (spheroids/organoids) or co-culture systems as well as primary endothelial and stromal cultures
• Motivation to learn MRI workflows (DWI/TDD) and to work with cooperation partners on biophysical modeling and implementation
• Desirable:
  • Experience in biocompatible hydrogels (collagen/fibrin/gelatin)
  • Experience in bioprinting would be advantageous
  • Histological processing of samples (sectioning, IHC/IF staining, in microscopy)
  • Basic knowledge of MRI (methods, sequence protocols, data analysis)
• Structured, independent and team-oriented approach to working in an interdisciplinary environment 
• Strong English skills, both spoken and written (minimum C1, preferably C2); Good German language skills are an advantageous
• Strong team spirit and willingness to work collaboratively between the institutes in Aachen and Münster
• Accuracy and diligence in documentation (good laboratory practice), reliable project and sample management
• Strong problem-solving approach and hands-on mentality when establishing new setups and protocols
• •Good presentation skills are advantageous 

Why choose us?

We offer…

• 30 days of vacation
• A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
• An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
• Education opportunities , including updating and upgrading 
• Access to public transport
• In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
• Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
• An onboarding app for new employees
• Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant