PhD position in oxidation-driven processes in human keratinocytes analyzed by mass spectrometry

Short overview of PlasmACT:

The PlasmACT network brings together 5 beneficiaries and 10 associated partners, located in 5 different countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg). Eight Doctoral candidates will enjoy a multi-disciplinary and international environment with plenty of training opportunities and exchange with all institutions involved in the network.

PhD project description:

The quality of human (and veterinary) health care systems substantially depends on key innovations. Often, these were driven by the field of physics, followed by interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial actions in engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine. By using beyond state-of-the-art plasma multijet technology, the primary technical objective of PlasmACT is to support skin cancer prevention by medical gas plasma therapy of Actinic Keratosis.

The project assesses the biochemistry aspects of gas plasma treatment in actinic keratosis. This includes the analysis of protein expression and post-translational modifications, including oxidative modifications, of in vitro cultured cells obtained by this DC as well as specimens from animal experiments and patients obtained by other PlasmACT DCs. The research aspects potentially extend to immunopeptidomics analysis. Technically, the main method to be employed is ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the project tasks the entire mass spectrometry workflow from sample generation, sample preparation, sample acquisition, and sample analysis. The expected starting date is June 1^st 2024.

About INP:

The Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) is the largest non-University Research Institute on Cold Physical Plasma Technology in Europe. About 200 people work at INP across all major disciplines, from physics and engineering, over chemistry and material science, to biochemistry and biomedicine. A spin-off from INP Greifswald, neoplas med GmbH, was the first to launch an accredited atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet into the European market for chronic wound treatment.

Eligibility criteria:

· Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment

· Master’s degree or equivalent in Biochemistry, Engineering or a related field

· The date of Master Degree obtainment must not be older than 3 years from the date when the position starts

· Mobility rule: researchers must not have carried out their main activity (e.g. work, studies) at the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before their recruitment date.

· DC applicants must fulfil the local recruiting requirements

· Excellent English language skills

· Strong communication skills, as acquiring know-how on multiple methods from team members is required to fulfill the project goals.

Where to apply:

Please visit: https://plasmact.eu/vacancies/

Candidates should apply with the PlasmACT DN application form available on the project website (www.PlasmACT.eu) and transcripts as a single file via email. The application deadline is on 11.03.2024

Selection process:

Submitted applications will be evaluated according to the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code). Your performance and personality count, regardless of your age, origin, gender, sexual identity, disability or ideology. The INP wants equal participation of men and women, especially in science. Qualified female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews expected in April 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be notified about the selection process outcome. Unfortunately, we cannot refund any expenses associated with the application or job interview due to budgetary regulations.

Applicants interested in the position will also have to apply to the PhD Program. Employment will be conditioned by acceptance to the program.