Six (6) PhD Scholarships in Host Response in Opportunistic Infections, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria (2015)

We offer at least 6 PhD studentships at Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), 2 funded by the FWF-funded Doctoral Programme of Excellence “HOROS - Host Response in Opportunistic Infections”, 4 funded by the Collaborative Doctoral Programme between MUI and the European Academy of Bolzano/Bozen (EURAC), Italy, and possibly one or two more (i.e. further announcements may be added till 5 December).

About HOROS
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). Their intention is to cooperatively and synergistically investigate genetic and environmental parameters, which destroy the immune homeostasis during host-pathogen 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 Innsbruck Medical University (IMU), one is heading the Institute of Biomedical Aging Research (IBA), now part of University of Innsbruck / Leopold Franzens University (LFU). 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. Seven HOROS students and plus two HOROS associate students have started already in autumn 2014.

Available Topics of PhD thesis
- Identification of factor H binding complement evasion molecules in fungi
- Immunoresponse to vaccines in old age

About MUI-EURAC
In order to strengthen the collaborative scientific activities between the MUI and EURAC both organisations have established a high quality, joint doctoral PhD programme in the research field of “Inflammation and Metabolism”. The doctoral programme will be linked to an existing doctoral programme at the MUI (HOROS- Infectious Diseases). Teaching activities will be carried out at both sites (Innsbruck and Bozen) and collaborative PhD projects will be carried out at the Medical University of Innsbruck and at the Center for Biomedicine in Bolzano/Bozen. The doctoral programme is intended to start in March 2015 and is funded for three years.

Available Topics of PhD thesis
- Identification of variants within complement genes C3, C7 and factor H that predispose an individual to develop cardiovascular disease or infections or that are associated with ageing’
- Linkage of imbalances in iron homeostasis and anemia to disease burden: Evaluation of underlying molecular pathways, genetic mechanisms and environmental factors
- Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and metabolic inflammation
- 1000 Genomes per cell: Profiling of mitochondrial DNA

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

Further details:
http://www.researchgate.net