Master thesis – Genome editing in parasitic helminths

27.03.2026, Diplomarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

The chair of Infection Pathogenesis (Prof. Friederike Ebner) aims to understand the biology and immune evasion strategies of parasites, with the aim of developing intervention strategies and vaccines. In this master’s thesis, the student will be participating in developing a method that gene editing systems can be delivered and utilized in unfertilized eggs of large roundworms.

The student will work on the isolation and purification of eggs from female Ascarids, larval embryonation, the production of constructs for genomic editing in eggs of large roundworms, electroporation and microinjection.

Specifically: 1. Isolate and cultivate of adult female Ascarids, harvest and purify eggs 2. Cultivation of eggs to follow the embryonic development. 3. Literature research and find out candidate genes for editing and the possible delivery systems. 4. Construct targeting, vectors RNPs, for gene editing. 5. Test the plasmids or RNPs in vitro via electroporation, nucleofection and so on. 6. Pre-treatment of eggs for plasmid delivery. 7. Test the delivery of plasmids or RNPs into egg or worms and perform genotyping.

The candidate will gain experience in microscopy, microinjections/micromanipulations, molecular genetics, primary cell culture methods, and parasitology.

Requirements: We seek a highly motivated, structured, and reliable student of MBT, Biology, Biochemistry or similar disciplines. A successful candidate should already have a good knowledge of immunology and some experience in genetic engineering. A good command of English, both spoken and written, is essential. If interested, please send an email including your earliest/latest possible start date, your transcript of records, and your CV to wei.liang@tum.de.

Kontakt: wei.liang@tum.de