PhD position in Bioinformatic Analysis of Immune Cell Dynamics after Heart and Lung Transplantation in Munich (f/m/x)
The Emmy Noether research group of PD Dr. med. Daniel Reichart at LMU Munich investigates immune, vascular, and inflammatory mechanisms in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. The group is located at the Gene Center LMU and the Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, LMU Klinikum Munich.
Our work combines translational patient-based research with state-of-the-art molecular profiling technologies to better understand disease mechanisms and identify clinically relevant biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
A major focus of our group is the analysis of immune cell dynamics in complex human diseases. We use established single-nucleus/spatial transcriptomics and cell-free RNA approaches to study how immune cells interact with tissue-resident, vascular, stromal, and parenchymal cells in health and disease. Our lab provides a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment at the interface of medicine, immunology, cardiovascular biology, pulmonary medicine, and computational biology.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join an exciting project on immune mechanisms after heart and lung transplantation. The project will focus on the bioinformatic analysis of resident and infiltrating immune cells after transplantation and their relationship to graft injury, rejection, infection, and tissue remodeling. In addition, the project will integrate tissue-level single-cell data with cell-free RNA profiles from blood samples to explore minimally invasive molecular signatures of transplant-related complications.
All major experimental methods, datasets, and bioinformatic pipelines are established in the lab, providing an excellent starting point for a focused and publication-oriented doctoral thesis.
We are looking for a
PhD Student for Bioinformatic Analysis of Immune Cell Dynamics after Heart and Lung Transplantation in Munich
Your tasks and responsibilities
- Work on the above-mentioned project topic within the framework of scientific research projects
- Analyze established single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets from heart and lung transplantation studies
- Investigate the interplay of tissue-resident and infiltrating immune cells after transplantation
- Integrate single-cell data with cell-free RNA profiles from blood samples
- Identify immune cell states, inflammatory pathways, and molecular signatures associated with graft injury, rejection, infection, or chronic graft dysfunction
- Apply established bioinformatic pipelines for quality control, clustering, cell type annotation, differential gene expression, pathway analysis, and cell-cell communication analysis
- Contribute to data visualization, biological interpretation, and preparation of scientific figures
- Conduct literature research in transplantation immunology, single-cell biology, and RNA-based diagnostics
- Contribute to publication of original research findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Participate in regular lab meetings and scientific exchange within the group
Your qualifications
- Strong interest in transplantation immunology, cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, bioinformatics, and translational research
- Motivation to work with single-nucleus RNA sequencing and cell-free RNA datasets
- Interest in immune cell biology, tissue-resident immunity, inflammation, graft rejection, and molecular diagnostics
- Basic experience with R and/or Python is advantageous
- Wet-lab experience is not required but may be advantageous
- Reliable, and structured approach to scientific work
- High level of self-motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn established analytical workflows
- Ability to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment
- Good written and spoken English skills; German skills are not mandatory
Benefits
The position is classified according to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States, TV-L E13. Remuneration is based on individual qualifications and experience and corresponds to 65% of a full-time position.
The project offers the opportunity to work on clinically highly relevant questions in heart and lung transplantation using cutting-edge single-cell and cell-free RNA technologies. The PhD student will join an interdisciplinary research environment with close links to clinical transplantation programs, cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine, immunology, and computational biology.
The workplace is located at the Gene Center LMU in Munich, with close integration into the LMU Klinikum and excellent access to clinical samples, experimental platforms, and scientific expertise. The project is designed as a focused doctoral thesis project with established datasets, validated methods, and running bioinformatic pipelines.
The PhD student will receive structured supervision, training in relevant computational methods, and support in data interpretation, figure preparation, and manuscript development
Application
For further information, please email:
PD Dr. med. Daniel Reichart Daniel.Reichart@lmu.de
Interested candidates are invited to send a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, and two reference letters to the address above by June 21.
LMU Munich stands for excellent research, an international academic environment, and strong support for early-career researchers. People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.