PhD position in Inflammation-induced plasticity of glial cells through modulation of Sox10 in the peripheral and enteric nervous system

A doctoral position for a scientific dissertation is to be filled soon in the research group of PD Dr. Melanie Küspert at the Institute of Biochemistry of the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Your tasks

The close interaction between the gut and the nervous system has been the subject of active research for several years due to its high relevance to human health and the pathogenesis of various diseases. This interdisciplinary project aims to investigate the influence of the transcription factor Sox10 on the plasticity of glial cells of the peripheral and enteric nervous systems and its modulation by intestinal inflammation. The methodological spectrum includes histological, molecular biological, and protein biochemical techniques, as well as high-throughput sequencing. Transgenic and conditional mouse models are available for analysis. Furthermore, methods of primary cell culture and organotypic tissue culture are well-established in the laboratory. This project is being conducted in close collaboration with the group of PD Dr. Jay Patankar from the Department of Gastroenterology at the University Hospital Erlangen and will greatly benefit from the exchange of knowledge in the field of inflammatory bowel diseases and their mouse models.

Your profile

Required qualifications:

We are looking for curious and motivated applicants from the field of biochemistry/biology/chemistry/molecular medicine with a very good diploma/master’s degree.

Desirable qualifications:

Experience in neuroscience, as well as prior knowledge of molecular biological techniques, histology and cell culture, is desirable.

Additional job title

We offer qualified onboarding and comprehensive scientific support for an optimal start in this exciting research topic, as well as an open-minded team and a collegial working atmosphere. Furthermore, the doctoral candidate will be admitted to the graduate school of the IZKF (Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Erlangen) and thus has diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, networking with other emerging and established scientists from basic and clinical research, and interdisciplinary work. Mentoring and soft skills seminars are also part of the structured doctoral program. Further information can be found at: https://www.izkf.med.fau.de/nachwuchs/izkf-doktorandenakademie/ Please send the following documents as a single PDF file (maximum 5 MB) to melanie.kuespert@fau.de by May 27, 2026 : (1) Cover letter (2) Curriculum vitae (3) Transcript of records/official academic record from your home university (4) Summary of previous research experience and your Master’s project (5) List of previous publications (if available) (6) Two references or contact details of former supervisors