Our group includes researchers trained in molecular medicine, medicine, molecular biology, pharmacy, or related fields. We are always interested in excellent and motivated candidates who want to join our team.
Medical students, please submit your application including CV and certificates via email to PD Dr. Achim Lother (gro.ygolocamrahpralucsavoidracnull@liam)
PhD position in Cardiovascular Epigenetics within FOR6051
Background
Heart failure and atrial fibrillation are two frequent and interrelated cardiac disorders. They share common risk factors, and both are associated with pathological gene expression, leading to adverse tissue remodelling. Gene expression is controlled by epigenetics, which allows cells to dynamically respond to changes in their environment. Recently, the role of mechanosensitive receptors in cardiac remodelling is receiving increasing attention. These receptors transduce mechanical cues into electrical and biochemical signals.
Project Description
The project will explore how altered hemodynamics in heart failure and atrial fibrillation via mechanosensitive receptors modulate epigenetic regulation of gene expression, leading to cardiac remodelling and arrhythmia. We will apply models of heart failure-related arrhythmia (see DOI and DOI) to study the effects of mechanosensitive channels in vivo. We will systematically analyse the signalling cascade in cardiac cells, from membrane-bound receptors to the nucleus, using state-of-the-art technologies such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and proteomics with bioinformatics analysis. This will be complemented by biophysics studies carried out by a PhD student at the partner site IEKM (position P6-1).
Qualifications and Requirements
- High motivation to work on a state-of-the-art research topic
in a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary and supportive
environment - Solid background in cardiac biology and/or epigenetics
- Prior experience in bioinformatics would be desirable
- Excellent MSc in a field relevant for the proposed study
- English language proficiency at level B2 or higher
Starting date July 2026 or later
Further information https://uni-freiburg.de/for6051/vacancies/
Application via SGBM Portal