phd in cell biology abroad

Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS)

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Last update: 29 Nov 2024

Congratulations to HBIGS Alumnus Martin Würtz (Schiebel group, ZMBH ), winner of the 2024 DGZ Nikon Young Scientist Award. ( Re ad mo re )

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PhD Position: Mechanobiology of immune cells in native tissue

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher who is captivated by immune cell biology? Are you fascinated by interdisciplinary research on the interface of biology and physics? If you're eager to explore immune cell behavior using cutting-edge technologies like microfluidics, advanced microscopy, and mechanobiology tools, this could be the PhD opportunity for you! Immune cells are highly dynamic, and mechanical forces have emerged as regulators of key immune functions. In the Vorselen Lab, we develop new biophysical technologies to tune the physical stimuli that cells receive and assess cellular forces, and combine this with high-resolution microscopy and cellular perturbations. This combination provides a detailed readout of immune cell behavior and helps us understand the regulation of immune processes by physical forces in health and disease. We primarily focus on innate immune processes and phagocytosis speficially. This project focuses on advancing cellular force-sensing technology. The goals are to precisely measure immune forces and interrogate macrophage dynamics in complex 3D environments, including in live zebrafish embryos. Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop a novel force sensor able to detect cellular forces with high sensitivity in vivo;
• Determine the dynamics of immune cells in native tissue through in vivo studies in zebrafish embryos,
• Delineate how immune cell dynamics are governed by physical tissue properties, such as cellular confinement;

Your qualities

The ideal candidate has the following qualities:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in physical sciences, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline;
• Strong and proven affinity with interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and physics;
• Work experience with fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, zebrafish and/or immune cell culture;
• Good quantitative skills;
• Proficiency in programming is a pre;
• Excellent communication skills in English (both oral and written).

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Daan Vorselen by e-mail [email protected]. For more information about the procedure, please contact Ine van’t Land, corporate recruiter by e-mail [email protected]. Do you want to apply? You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. This vacancy will be listed up to and including Decemer 16th, 2024 Welcome, safe, and valued Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

EMBL International PhD Programme

Unique in the world and waiting for you!

The EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP), originally established in 1983, provides PhD students with an excellent starting platform for a successful career in science by  fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research .

EMBL is dedicated to  promoting excellence  in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. To achieve this goal, we inspire and train talented young scientists to become skilled and creative future leaders in academia, industry and other sectors.

The EIPP provides comprehensive interdisciplinary training, maintaining a careful balance between theory and practice, close mentoring and creative freedom, collaborative teamwork and independence. These key characteristics make the EIPP a  role model , which has inspired similar programmes at research institutions throughout Europe and the world.

The  enriching  encounter of different nationalities, the  friendly and collaborative atmosphere , and the  passion for science  is what unites EMBL’s diverse staff and provides the ideal setting to forge long-lasting connections and make studying at EMBL a unique formative experience.

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Application

Two recruitment rounds are organised each year across all EMBL sites. The application deadlines and all relevant information are published well in advance.

Registration for the 2025 PhD Winter Recruitment is closed

The next round of applications will open towards the end of January 2025.

Programme Overview

Explore the structure and content of the EMBL International PhD Programme.

Research at EMBL

Find out more about the cutting-edge Research Topics investigated across our different Research Units .

The complexity of current biological research questions increasingly calls for interdisciplinary approaches . To prepare our students for this challenge, the EIPP puts great emphasis on bringing together different fields of expertise: we actively encourage candidates with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, mathematics, molecular medicine, computer science or engineering to apply and work closely with biologists to answer fundamental questions in life sciences.

PHD Symposium

Since its first edition in 2000, the annual EMBL International PhD Symposium in Heidelberg developed into a well-recognized and highly appreciated scientific event.

It is always EMBL’s first year PhD students who take on the responsibility for the conceptual development and organization of the meeting. The symposia provide a great platform for networking and scientific exchange, featuring lectures by top-level scientists as well as plenty of opportunities for young researchers to present their work. 

See the full list of past symposia

Upcoming symposium

Biology Outside The Box

2-4 December 2024 EMBL Heidelberg

Monika Lachner

Interim Head of EICAT

Fulvio Grigolato

Project and Programme Manager

Postdoctoral Programme

ORCID: 0000-0001-5989-7260

Anna-Kreetta Alasalmi

Programme Officer / Training & Events

ORCID: 0000-0002-9375-5407

Programme Officer / Graduate Recruitment

EMBL Graduate Office

EMBL Heidelberg Meyerhofstraße 1 69117 Heidelberg Germany

Tel: +49 6221 387-8612/8896 Fax: +49 6221 387-8400 Email:   [email protected]