Postdoctoral Position (f/m/x) Immune modulation to improve graft survival

• Investigating the mechanism of local modulation of immune cells in regard of tolerance induction and immune cell – vessel interaction
• Research the possibility of a novel potential therapeutic target to non-surgically combat edema-induced corneal blindness
• Explore the crosstalk of corneal tissue cells and secondary invading immune cells
• Identifying new targets in the corneal diseases to improve (corneal) graft survival within the upcoming CRC

• Doctoral degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Biophysics or related areas of Life Sciences
• Motivation, curiosity and creativity, and a strong ability to solve problems through critical analytical thinking
• Keen interest in the mechanisms of signaling and regulation of the immune response in an outstanding, immune-privileged tissue
• Proven ability to independently carry out research projects
• Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and a sense for teamwork
• Profound knowledge of techniques used in molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology is strongly preferred
• Experience with mouse models is preferable
• Experience with various imaging techniques and expertise in image analyses
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools

• Anything but ordinary: you can expect a secure job in a demanding, innovative environment – company pension scheme and regular working hours included.
• Job and family in harmony: whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support offers, we can find the right path together.
• Team spirit in pure culture: You will be welcomed with open arms by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual appreciation and willingness to help.
• Strong prospects: We offer you extensive further training opportunities - so you can grow beyond yourself and set your sights on new goals.

Working at the University Hospital Cologne and the Medical Faculty means helping to shape the future - the future of medicine, of patients and, of course, your own future. You benefit from 60 clinics and institutes as well as numerous other departments and facilities and more than 12,000 jobs. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne and the University Hospital Cologne assume important social tasks in research, teaching and patient care. A close network with many university and non-university partners guarantees an internationally successful science and the excellent education of our students.

Within the Translational Experimental Ophthalmology Cologne as Division of the Department for Ophthalmology Prof. Bock and Dr. Hadrian investigate the immunological microenvironment during corneal transplantation as well as corneal edema and the effect of immune modulatory factors to induce graft tolerance. Immune-mediated transplant rejection is still the most frequent cause of transplant failure after organ and tissue transplantation. Therefore, there is a huge unmet need for pharmacological strategies to improve graft survival or even avoid corneal transplantation without compromising the health of the recipient excessively. Our research primarily focuses on deciphering the complex impact of antiangiogenic and immune modulatory factors on the humoral and cellular composition of the recipient bed. Furthermore, we analyze new approaches to resolve corneal edema to treat corneal blindness. We employ a comprehensive approach that integrates diverse mouse models of corneal diseases as well as a wide range of techniques spanning molecular and cell biology, multi-omics analysis, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics.