PhD position (Ageing & Disease): The influence of coagulation on hematopoiesis during aging

Thinking of doing your PhD in the Life Sciences? The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz 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 Wolfram Ruf offers the following PhD project:

Bone marrow-resident hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) are the source of all mature blood cells and replenish the body needs continuously in homeostasis and challenges throughout the life of the host. Although hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are mainly quiescent, they reversibly switch to proliferation upon challenges, such as infection, bleeding, or circadian rhythm. HSCs become dysfunctional in aging by incompletely understood cues from the bone marrow environment. This results in imbalances in the differentiation of HSPC that results in more inflammation (myeloid skewing) and age-related pathologies. Interactions of HSPC with various cellular and soluble (growth factors, extracellular vesicles) components of the bone marrow microenvironment crucially regulate the developmental fate of HSPC and proteases of the coagulation system have been shown to contribute to both matrix remodeling and regulation of homeostasis or mobilization of HSPC (extravascular coagulation signaling). Mutation or deficiencies of components of the coagulation system have been implicated in the regulation of HSPC in aging mouse models.

PhD project: Coagulation receptors in aging

The aim of the project is to determine the contribution of extravascular coagulation and immune signaling mechanisms to unbalanced hematopoiesis in aging with a long-term goal to possibly identify rejuvenation strategies. The work of the PhD candidate(s) will include the analysis of recently identified different mouse models with accelerated aging phenotypes and apply state of the art single cell technologies to characterize HSPC phenotypes and function. Characterization of the bone marrow environment by proteomics (e.g. of extracellular vesicles) may also be required to identify underlying molecular mechanisms for altered HSPC output in aging. Theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular and cell biology and/or protein chemistry are expected for successful candidates. The candidate should have an interest in systems biology approaches and develop skills to apply bioinformatics on newly generated and available omics data sets.

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

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 8 November 2023. Interviews will take place at IMB in Mainz on 22-24 January 2024.

Starting date: 1 March 2024 – 1 August 2024