The Department of Dermatology at the University of Mainz offers a PhD position in Immunology / Molecular biology The position (E13 65%) is available starting from 01.08.2025 and will initially be funded for three years. Afterwards, a contract extension is possible. The starting date will be flexible. In this project, we want to investigate new concepts of epigenetic regulation in immune cells. For this purpose, we will develop new detection tools for specific epigenetic regulators, investigate the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, and elucidate the expression and function of novel epigenetic regulators in mouse models and patient samples. The experimental approach comprises: Molecular biological methods (qPCR, cloning, shRNA mediated knockdown, mutagenesis, luciferase assays) Chromatin immunoprecipitation Protein biochemistry (Western Blot, Fractionation, ELISA, Co-immunoprecipitation) Flow cytometry Analysis of transgenic mouse models (esp. psoriasis mouse models) Cell culture Analysis of patient material References: Müller A, Hennig A, Lorscheid S, Grondona P, Schulze-Osthoff K, Hailfinger S, Kramer D. IκBζ is a key transcriptional regulator of IL-36-driven psoriasis-related gene expression in keratinocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018 Oct 2;115(40):10088-10093. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1801377115. Epub 2018 Sep 17. PMID: 30224457; PMCID: PMC6176600. Müller A, Dickmanns A, Resch C, Schäkel K, Hailfinger S, Dobbelstein M, Schulze-Osthoff K, Kramer D. The CDK4/6-EZH2 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis. J Clin Invest. 2020 Nov 2;130(11):5765-5781. doi: 10.1172/JCI134217. PMID: 32701505; PMCID: PMC7598068. Fischer B, Kübelbeck T, Kolb A, Ringen J, Waisman A, Wittmann M, Karbach S, Kölsch SM, Kramer D. IL-17A-driven psoriasis is critically dependent on IL-36 signaling. Front Immunol. 2023 Dec 11;14:1256133. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256133. PMID: 38162658; PMCID: PMC10754973. Fischer B, Kolb A, Focaccia E, Kübelbeck T, Klein M, Löck D, Bork F, Engelmann F, Casari M, Mazza E, Deppermann C, Weber ANR, Wittmann M, Schittek B, Schulze-Osthoff K, Kramer D. NOD2-induced IκBζ mediates a protective host response against epicutaneous Staphylococcus aureus infection. J Invest Dermatol. 2025 May 22:S0022-202X(25)00494-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.04.036. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40412468. Application profile: Candidates should hold a Master degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or in any related research field with a strong background in molecular biology or immunology. Moreover, applicants should be highly motivated and able to work independently. The candidate should be willing to work with mice. A permission for animal experiments is not mandatory and can be obtained here. a young and highly motivated team flexible working time attractive salary (E13/65%)