The Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Rudolf Virchow Center/University Hospital Würzburg has an opening for

2 PhD student positions (TV-L E13, 65 %)

to investigate the role of blood platelets in inflammatory processes.

Platelet activation at sites of vascular injury is essential for the formation of a protective plug. In diseased vessels, however, platelet activation can lead to ischemic events, such as heart attack and stroke. However, besides their well-established role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are increasingly recognized as modulators of inflammatory processes. Our interdisciplinary research team investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of thrombo-inflammatory diseases, such as venous thrombosis, ischemic stroke or liver inflammation.

We use genetically modified mice to study the functions of platelets and important regulatory proteins (receptors, signaling molecules, cytoskeletal components) for disease progression. Our research will yield knowledge about the molecular basis of thrombo-inflammatory diseases and may serve as a basis for the development of improved therapies.

The PhD project will include the use of cutting edge imaging techniques, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and mouse genetics. We offer the opportunity to work in an excellent scientific environment and to collaborate with international research groups. As a PhD student, you will furthermore join the ‘Graduate School of Life Sciences’ (GSLS) funded by the Excellence Initiative of the German government (http://www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/life_sciences).

Suitable candidates should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a life sciences subject with a strong interest in molecular and cell biology, mouse models and different imaging techniques. Excellent lab skills and good knowledge of the English language are a prerequisite.

The position will start on February 1st, 2016 or later. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification. Part-time work is generally possible.

Interested candidates should send their full application including contact details of two references by email until January 15th, 2016 to

stegner@virchow.uni-wuerzburg.de and bernhard.nieswandt@virchow.uni-wuerzburg.de.

Dr. David Stegner

Prof. Bernhard Nieswandt 


Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Biomedizin

Rudolf Virchow Center

Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Haus D15

97080 Würzburg

Salary: TV-L E13, 65 %
Open from: February 1st, 2016 or later
Type of employment: Full Time