PhD position (Ageing & Disease; Epigenetics & Nuclear Dynamics): The role of monocyte reprogramming in chronic venous thrombosis (m/f/d)

Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) on Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability is offering talented students the chance to work at the cutting edge of research. 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:
In the field of “Ageing & Disease”, the research group of Stephan Grabbe offers the following PhD project:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are two manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The formation of occlusive blood clots in the venous vascular system can potentially be complicated by detachment and embolization of thrombi into the lungs, which can trigger severe consequences. DVT is associated with the risk of thromboembolic damage and long-term complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). VTE leads to mortality and morbidity worldwide and especially as the population ages, the VTE incidence increases considerably. Despite initial management of symptomatic acute events, patients remain at high risk for recurrence and are predisposed to developing longer-term thrombo-inflammatory complications. The influences of the first event of DVT on the recurrence of VTE and thrombotic sequelae remain unknown. The inflammatory response induced by the thrombus formation recruits a significant number of circulating myeloid cells to the site of thrombotic damage. Recent advances suggest that the interactions of inflammatory processes with underlying cardiovascular disease may promote long-lasting functional changes in monocytes, specifically the appearance of so-called trained cells.

PhD project: The role of monocyte reprogramming in chronic venous thrombosis
In this project, we will study the effect of long-term chronic inflammation during clot growth and resolution on bone marrow myelopoiesis and monocyte profile. Therefore, we aim to systematically analyze the development of trained monocytes in thrombotic disease pathology and recurrence. Working steps consist in investigating the regulatory impact, phenotypic profiling, and functional evaluation of metabolic, epigenetic, and transcriptional alterations. The experiments will involve animal models as well as high-dimensional flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, in vitro cell culture, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and unbiased molecular (single-cell) profiling approaches. This project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

What we offer:
• Exciting, interdisciplinary projects in a fully 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 190 PhD students from 44 different countries

Requirements:
Are you an ambitious, young scientist looking to push the boundaries of science while interacting with colleagues from multiple disciplines and cultures? Then 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

For more details on the projects offered and how to apply via our online form, please visit https://www.imb.de/phd

The deadline for applications is 19 November 2022. Interviews will take place on-site in Mainz 16-18 January 2023.
Starting date: 1 March 2022 – 1 July 2023