Master Thesis Position in Skin Tumor Immunology

We invite applications for a full time Master position in the “Tissue Immune Regulation” group of Iris Gratz. Our research group focuses on the role of tissue-resident T cells in health and disease. The candidate will be part of a team focused on gamma delta T cells, a unique subset of immune T cells that are known to have several anti-tumor functions. These cells have come to great attention in the last years since they are promising candidates for anti-tumor immune therapeutic approaches. We are studying γδ T cells in the context of Epidermolysis bullosa, an inherited skin disease which leads to the formation of aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The reasons for the development of these aggressive tumors are not completely understood. Our group is a part of a larger research consortium (EB House Austria), which is focused on understanding disease mechanisms and developingtherapeutic approaches. We aim to elucidate how the tumor microenvironment in EB patients affects the phenotype and the anti-tumor function of γδ T cells. For this purpose, we will utilize our innovative and unique in vitro 3D organotypic skin culture model to elucidate the cellular communication between γδ T cells and tumor cells.

As part of EB House Austria we can offer close interaction with clinicians, which promotes access to patient material and translation of new findings to the clinic.

Responsibilities:

• The applicant will be responsible for performing their own experiments with guidance from a PhD Student within the research team.

Profile:

• We are looking forward to receiving applications from highly motivated Biologists.
• Applicants should have a background (class work) in cellular and molecular immunology.
• Beneficial (but not required) will be knowledge of cell culture and flow cytometry.

Techniques and Learning Opportunities:

• Training in cell culture of human cells
• Generation of 3D organotypic skin model
• Flow cytometry
• Mouse Handling
• Functional cellular assays using immune cells as well as skin tissue cells

Therefore, you will acquire a spectrum of techniques that are important in the field of immunology. Option to receive part-time employment (“geringfügige Anstellung”).

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Interested?

Applications should be submitted to and cc to including a curriculum vitae and copy of certificates of the highest obtained degree.

 

Master Thesis Position in Skin Tumor Immunology – Gammadelta T cells

We invite applications for a full time Master position in the “Tissue Immune Regulation” group of Iris Gratz. Our research group focuses on the role of tissue-resident T cells in health and disease. The candidate will be part of a team studying gamma delta T cells, which constitute a subset of immune cells with an important role in tissue surveillance and anti-tumor response. In the last decades several companies have developed clinical trials using γδ cell base therapies to treat a wide range of hematological and solid tumors. Our aim is to study the role of skin resident gamma delta cells in the context of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), using in vitro and in vivo models. The main focus of the project will be to study the effect of tumor derived endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) on the anti-tumor function of γδ T cells, with the aim to discover innovative cancer therapeutic approaches.

In addition, as part of a larger research consortium focused on dermatological research (the EB House Austria), we can offer close interaction with clinicians, which promotes access to patient material and translation of new findings to the clinic.

Responsibilities:

The applicant will be responsible for performing their own experiments with guidance from a Postdoctoral researcher within the research team.

Profile:

We are looking forward to applications from highly motivated Biologists. Applicants should have a background (class work) in cellular and molecular immunology. Beneficial would be knowledge of animal, cell culture and flow cytometry.

Offer:

You will gain experience in performing both in vivo and in vitro experiments. We offer training in mouse handling, flow cytometry and functional cellular assays using immune cells as well as skin stromal cells. You will gain a scientific background which will be helpful for your careeras immunologist. Option to receive part-time employment (“geringfügige Anstellung”).

Starting date: As soon as possible

Interested?

For more information please contact Dr. Giorgia Nasi () and cc: Dr. Iris Gratz ()

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, grades/transcript of records of your Bachelor and Master program and contact information of a reference (e.g. supervisor of Bachelor thesis or lab rotation) to: ; cc: