Naturwissenschaftlicher Doktorand / PhD position (m/f/d) “CNS border-associated immune cells mediate gut-brain crosstalk in Parkinson’s Disease”
Molekulare Neurologie
Dr. Patrick Süß
Schwabachanlage 6
91054 ErlangenDr. Patrick Süß
Facharzt/ Clinician Scientist
Telefon: 09131 85-39324
Job-Nr.: 13373
Dr. Patrick Süß
Facharzt/ Clinician Scientist
Telefon: 09131 85-39324
Molekulare Neurologie
Dr. Patrick Süß
Schwabachanlage 6
91054 ErlangenVeröffentlicht seit: 15.07.2026
Job-Nr.: 13373
Molekulare Neurologie
Dr. Patrick Süß
Schwabachanlage 6
91054 ErlangenDr. Patrick Süß
Facharzt/ Clinician Scientist
Telefon: 09131 85-39324
Klingt spannend?
Das sind wir:
The research group “Systemic immunology of neurodegenerative diseases” of Patrick Süß is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (65% position, starting as soon as possible). The position is embedded in the project “CNS border-associated immune cells mediate gut-brain crosstalk in Parkinson’s Disease”.
The overarching aim of this project is to investigate CNS borders, particularly the meninges and the perivascular niche, in sensing, processing, and propagating microbial and inflammatory signals from the gut to contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The position is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
Project background:
Disease mechanisms underlying PD remain insufficiently understood and causal therapies are lacking. Peripheral inflammation, particularly in the gut, was shown to foster PD development, yet how gut-derived inflammation is propagated across central nervous system (CNS) borders is unknown. In this project, we will determine the role of resident and blood-derived myeloid cells in meningeal and perivascular immune-brain interfaces as mediators of gut-immune-brain communication in PD by in-depth structural analysis and integrated -omics approaches with the aim to identify novel targets for immunomedicine at highly specialized and strategically localized immune-brain interfaces.
Your tasks:
- Working with preclinical murine models, including functional assessments
- Immunohistochemical analyses of murine samples and human post-mortem brain tissue
- Preparation, execution and evaluation of Multi-OMIC data (Spatial transcriptomics, Metabolomics, Imaging)
The successful candidate will work within a supportive research environment and will be assisted by additional PhD students and technical staff.
To be included in your application:
(1) Letter of motivation
(2) Curriculum vitae
(3) Transcript of Records
(4) Summary of Research Experience and Master Project
(5) List of publications
(6) Two names/ contacts for references
Comment:
The position is offered on a first fixed-term basis until April 30, 2027, with the possibility of 2 years extension.
Essential qualifications:
- Diploma or Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine, Biology, or a related field
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- High motivation, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for research
- Critical and independent thinking
- Strong team spirit and willingness to contribute to collaborative research projects
- Strong interest in neuroscience, neuroimmunology, and neurodegeneration
Desirable additional experience:
- Experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy, image analysis
- Experience in bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets
- Experience with preclinical in vivo models