What will you do
Analysis of biomarkers for defining individual trace element requirements in severe disease
Duration: 36-48 months
Supervisor(s): Prof. Dr. Lutz Schomburg
Project description: The Research Fellow RF2 conducts trace element analyses from different biomatrices to determine their potential collinearity and suitability as biomarkers of trace element status and personalized trace element requirements of severely diseased subjects. Different analytical techniques will be compared and combined. Biostatistical analyses will inform on the most meaningful readout for directing personalized supplementation measures aiming at improving patient recovery and survival. Close interaction with the clinical colleagues will be established.
The Research Fellow RF12 focuses on the trace element selenium, its different biomarkers and its transporter, and in how far impaired selenium status and transport affects disease course and recovery. The emergency of autoimmunity to Se transport will be a specific focus of the work. Analytical work will be combined with in vitro experiments to gain further molecular insights. Clinical samples will be compared and analysed, and interpreted together with the clinical colleagues. The final quality of the different assessment methods will be based on the structured comparison of a set of markers, alone and in combination, to derive prediction models and guidance to improve the nutritional care on a personalized level of severely diseased patients.
What do we expect
We are looking for two highly motivated young scientists with a good knowledge of molecular biology and analytical methods. Knowledge of biostatistical analysis and programming would be an advantage. Scientific curiosity and team spirit are essential. The research project should lead to a doctoral thesis. Normal working hours apply, but certain unusual activities are also required, including travel to collaborating colleagues and visits to exhibitions and conferences. Good English skills as well as friendliness, openness and tolerance are expected.
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie admission requirements:
- You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- You must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must not have resided in or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months during the three years immediately prior to recruitment.
In addition, you need to have a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline.
The BIO-MICRO project
The main goal of BIO-MICRO is to develop the urgently needed strategies for micronutrient (MN) precision medicine in critically ill patients and to train the next generation of innovative, interdisciplinary and intersectoral research fellows (RFs) to contribute to this quest. They will develop new analytics to enable reliably determination of functional MN body status, investigate potential subphenotypes of patients most likely to benefit from MN supplementation, enable guidance with appropriate timing of MN therapy, investigate the interplay between MNs and explore the role of MNs in rehabilitation in the post ICU-phase.
What we offer
The PhD positions are funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) of the European Union’s Europe 2024 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101226686. You will be appointed as fulltime PhD student for 3-4 years at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Salary scale: Market competitive based on a 36 h week, depending on qualifications and experience. Successful candidates will receive an attractive base-salary in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, for 3-4 years. The exact (net) salary depends on the EU-defined country correction factor, and on local tax regulations (for additional information see EU MSCA website). Exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment.
In addition to your local PhD training, you will participate in a comprehensive and attractive educational programme specifically designed for the 13 Research Fellows within the BIO-MICRO consortium. The BIO-MICRO training programme offers a blended learning approach that combines monthly interactive live online sessions with in-person workshops. The online curriculum covers essential topics in clinical research, including epidemiology, biostatistics, observational and clinical trial design, statistical computing, and scientific writing. In addition, four intensive three-day in-person workshops are dedicated to the development of both academic and transferable skills. All Research fellows will carry out 12 months of secondments and will be enabled to participate in relevant international scientific conferences. Together, this structured training programme is designed to optimally support you for obtaining a PhD and prepare you for a successful career.
How to apply
Applying for this vacancy will be possible soon.
