Doctoral candidate 13
Role of macrophages in lung cancer-infection niche
About MERIT
MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis: from Infection to Therapeutic innovations) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at better understanding how viruses affect the human body. Coordinated by Dr. Adithya Sridhar, Assistant Professor, and Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt, Professor of Pediatric Infectious diseases, from the OrganoVIR Labs at Amsterdam UMC (location AMC), this project brings together 7 academic institutions and 12 associated partners from across Europe.
Within MERIT, researchers will take a new, holistic approach that focuses on infections and host metabolism to unravel virus-induced metabolic reprogramming and its impact on human health. The project’s objective lies in understanding the complex interplay between viruses and host cells, focusing on metabolic reprogramming, and long-term consequences of infection. This will be achieved by combining three methodological pillars: human organoids, integrative and spatial omics, and advanced microscopy.
Background of project
Although significant progress has been made in understanding the effects of viral infection on various tissues, some studies suggest a potential link between viral infection and lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Given that inflammation and metabolic reprogramming are key hallmarks of cancer and critical drivers of tumorigenesis, this project aims to elucidate how viral infection modulates immune-metabolic pathways in the context of lung cancer development. In particular, as macrophages are central regulators of both the tumor and infection microenvironments, their role in mediating these interactions requires deeper investigation. By employing advanced ex vivo lung tumor models, such as organoids and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) - that incorporate macrophages, this research seeks to uncover the complex interplay among viral infection, inflammation, and cancer progression.
Job description
At the Justus Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, MERIT is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work packages 1 and 3. As DC13, your objectives are:
Establish and optimize lung tumor ex vivo models, including organoids and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS), incorporating macrophages to better mimic the native lung tumor microenvironment.
Investigate the phenotypic and metabolic reprogramming of macrophages in the context of viral infection and lung cancer progression using spatial omics technologies, including spatial transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, and spatial metabolomics.
Study the role of macrophages in viral-associated lung cancer using integrated functional and molecular approaches.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate data from multi-omics platforms and develop mechanistic insights.
You will be guided during your research project by Prof. Dr. Rajkumar Savai and Dr. Siavash Mansouri. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Requirements
Master's degree in biomedical sciences, infection and immunity, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with cell culture, molecular biology techniques, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and metabolic assays.
Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for data analysis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Strong interest in collaborative, multidisciplinary research and a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
Have not resided/carried out work or studies in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before 1 April 2027.
What we offer
A contract with Justus Liebig University Giessen.
A varied job with flexible working hours
Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
The training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities.
An opportunity to take part in a tailor-made pre-MBA programme to develop entrepreneurial and commercial skills and other network-wide training opportunities including conferences and courses, a Personal Development Plan, non-academic coaching, and workshops on topics including ethics and sustainability and AI/LLM.
About the host institution
Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university. JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university.