6 PhD Positions, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria (2018-2019)

Scientists and physicians of the Innsbruck campus, working in the related fields of Infection, Immunity, Transplantation and/or Biogerontology, have decided to join forces and have created a structured and multidisciplinary research and training programme of excellence (DK): HOROS - HOst Response in Opportunistic infectionS.

Their intention is to cooperatively and synergistically investigate genetic and environmental parameters, which destroy the immune homeostasis during hostpathogen interaction, thus leading to opportunistic infections, seldom developing in healthy, but quite often in immuno-compromised subjects. Six of the 7 members of the consortium work at Medical University Innsbruck (MUI), one is heading the Institute of Biomedical Aging Research (IBA), now part of University of Innsbruck / Leopold Franzens University (LFU). It is envisaged to strengthen the cooperation between both local universities in the coming periods.

Five members of the consortium are medical doctors - one works at bedside and four mainly preclinically - two are natural scientists. All 7 contribute to various aspects of host-pathogen interaction, comprising inherited and acquired immunity. On the infection side fungal, bacteriological or virological models are in use.

Available Topics of PhD thesis (HOROS projects)

1. Lipid dys-homeostasis and the control of bacterial infection

2. Complement and complement-based therapy in mucormycete infection

3. Host factors involved in E. coli-induced haemolytic uraemic syndrome (eHUS)

4. LymphARTcis – a unique approach to study HIV-1 ´in vivo´

5. Functional characterization of fungal genes involved in iron homeostasis as targets for antifungal therapy

6. 5-flucytosine in antifungal therapeutics

Desired skills and experience

The entry requirement is a full study completing degree (Master, Magister, Diploma, MD) in medicine, natural sciences or related disciplines. Medical or science students have to show academic excellence, scientific potential, flexibility, motivation, suitability for the research project and the willingness to stay 3-6 months abroad.

For more information please visit the following link:
6 PhD Positions, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria (2018-2019)