Developing novel analytical tools to map the tumour microenvironment and study drug metabolism

2 PhD students (m/f/d) in Analytical Chemistry/Biomedical Mass Spectrometry

30.08.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Professorship for Analytical Chemistry of the TUM School of Natural Sciences is looking for two fully funded PhD students (m/f/d) starting Q1/Q2 2025: 1x Development of novel ion sources (instrumentation based), 1x Generating a database to map the TME. Our goal is to use the novel ion source for in the context of drug biotransformation in the TME.

Your tasks:
Tasks Position 1: Ion source development (instrumentation, based in Garching)

• You will put together an ion source based on Laser-Desorption Ionisation Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (LDI-REIMS) for three purposes: i) High throughout analysis of cell cultures and microbes, (ii) High spatial resolution imaging applications, iii) In vivo longitudinal imaging of organotypic models
• You will put together an ion source based on Laser-Desorption Ionisation Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (LDI-REIMS) for three purposes
• Together with PhD student 2 you will test these and perform optimisation studies

Tasks Position 2: Mapping of the TME (co-supervised by Prof. Julia Jellusova)

• Analysis of cell cultures to record a database of cells in the TME, frequent travel between the Garching and the Cytometry Core Facility at the MRI campus (Klinikum rechts der Isar) will be required
• Development of organotypic models to study drug metabolism in situ
• Cellular profiling and imaging using DESI and LDI-REIMS mass spectrometry as well as other imaging technologies (histological staining, spatial transcriptomics, imaging mass cytometry)
• Testing of the ion sources developed and optimisation together with PhD student 1

Your Profile: For both positions we are looking for dynamic, reliable, proactive and motivated candidates with a high degree of organisational skills and attention to detail, who enjoy independent, interdisciplinary work, actively participate in our group and exchange ideas within the project and beyond. You will be part of an international group of 4 PhD students and 1 postdoc working on their own projects as well as collaborative projects. You will also encounter additional, shorter term undergraduate student members in the group. You will be expected to participate in teaching activities including centrally organised BSc-level lab practicals, MSc level lab practicals organised by our group as well as supervision of BSc and MSc students and lab internships. Good English skills (writing, speaking and listening) are required, good German skills are desired but not necessary.

Profile Position 1

• Specialisation (MSc./Dipl.) in engineering or physics desired
• Students with other backgrounds (such as previous experience in instrumental mass spectrometry) who feel capable are encouraged to apply
• Practical experience with moving setups AND/OR lasers incl. building of laser optics
• Practical experience with programming desired
• Basic understanding of chemistry and physics, desire to learn about biomedical applications of MS and metabolomics
• Start date in Dec 2024 or Q1 2025

Profile Position 2

• Specialisation (MSc./Dipl.) in chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, immunology or related fields
• Experience with mass spectrometry AND/OR flow cytometry
• Interest in lipids and metabolism, cancer biology and pharmacology
• Willingness to travel between campuses
• Experience with programming (R, Matlab, Python) of advantage
• Start date in Q2 2025

We offer:

• Integration into a dynamic, international and multidisciplinary working environment with various national and international co-operations focussing on ambient mass spectrometry and its applications in the life sciences
• A constructive, lively working atmosphere
• Employment with appropriate remuneration for doctoral candidates, according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (65% TV-L E13) for a duration of 3.5 years
• Structured doctoral programme (TUM Graduate School) and transferable skills training
• Opportunities to present your results at national and international meetings

How to apply: Please send your application with a letter of motivation, a brief description of your research experience (pointing out your relevant experience), CV, and the contact details of two references as a single pdf file (PhD1/PhD2_surname_firstname.pdf) to Prof. Dr. Nicole Strittmatter (Nicole.strittmatter@tum.de). The application deadline is 29th September 2024. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Strittmatter.
If skills are comparable to other applicants, disabled candidates will be treated preferentially.

Contact:
Professur für Analytische Chemie
Prof. Dr. Nicole Strittmatter
Technische Universität München
School of Natural Sciences
Lichtenbergstr. 4
85748 Garching
https://www.bio.nat.tum.de/ach/home/

Kontakt: nicole.strittmatter@tum.de

More Information

https://www.bio.nat.tum.de/ach/home/