PhD Student Biology - T-Cell Aging (m/f/d)

Overview

Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz is offering talented scientists the chance to work on cutting edge research projects within the open call on “Molecular Biomedicine & Ageing” . As an IPP PhD student, you will join a community of exceptional scientists working on diverse topics ranging from how organisms age or how our DNA is repaired, to how epigenetics regulates cellular identity or neural memory.

Activities and responsibilities

Activities and responsibilities

The research group of Tim Sparwasser offers the following PhD project (2 positions):

T-cell aging is associated with an imbalance in naïve and memory T-cell subsets, as well as an accumulation of senescent and exhausted T-cells. These changes contribute to increased vulnerability to infections, reduced vaccine efficacy, and heightened risk of autoimmune diseases in the elderly. Metabolic reprogramming plays a crucial role in controlling T-cell function, yet the specific metabolic pathways that govern T-cell aging remain poorly understood. Previous research suggests that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and other key metabolic processes influence T-cell fate decisions. Targeting these pathways could provide novel strategies to mitigate immune aging and enhance immune responses in older individuals.

PhD project: Characterization of critical metabolic pathways for T-cell subsets during aging

Two PhD positions are available to investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying T-cell aging. T-cell aging is characterized by an imbalance in naïve and memory T-cell subsets and an accumulation of senescent and exhausted T-cells, contributing to increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. While metabolic processes play a crucial role in T-cell function, a comprehensive understanding of how metabolism regulates T-cell aging remains elusive. This project will leverage cutting-edge technologies to identify metabolic pathways that support naïve T-cell maintenance and drive the differentiation of memory, senescent, and exhausted T-cells with age.

The PhD Candidates Will Work On

• Identifying key metabolic pathways involved in T-cell aging using advanced genetic models that allow for parallel CRISPR perturbation of multiple metabolic genes at the single-cell level.
• Determining the impact of metabolic gene perturbation on T-cell subsets at different ages by employing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and gRNA-capturing techniques.
• Assessing metabolic pathways that modulate aged T-cell function using inducible genetic systems in aged mice following antigenic challenge with model antigens and adjuvant vaccination.

The findings will reveal how metabolic reprogramming can potentially mitigate T-cell immunoaging and enhance immune function in the elderly.

For these PhD positions experience in both bioinformatics and immunology, particularly T-cell biology, is desirable. Additionally, familiarity with molecular biology techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry) is advantageous.

These projects provide an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in immunometabolism, aging research, and cutting-edge genomic techniques. The candidates will gain experience with advanced technologies such as scRNA-seq, CRISPR perturbation screening, and high-throughput immunological assays. The research is expected to yield high-impact publications and provide networking opportunities through international collaborations and conference presentations. These PhD positions will prepare the candidates for a successful academic career in immunology and metabolic research.

If you are interested in this project, please select Sparwasser your group preference in the IPP application platform.

Qualification profile

Are you an ambitious scientist looking to push the boundaries of research while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then joining the IPP is your opportunity to give your scientific career a flying start!

All You Need Is

• Master or equivalent
• Interactive personality & good command of English
• 2 letters of reference

Benefits

We offer

• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a lively international environment, with English as our working language
• Advanced training in scientific techniques and professional skills
• Access to our state-of-the-art Core Facilities and their technical expertise
• Fully funded positions with financing until the completion of your thesis
• A lively community of more than 200 PhD students from 44 different countries

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via the online form using the apply button.

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2026. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 22 & 23 June 2026.

Starting date: 1 July - 31 December 2026