Beschreibung

The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken, Germany, is an internationally leading center for materials research, a scientific partner to national and international research institutions, and a provider of research and development for companies throughout the world. The INM is an institute of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

2X MASTER THESES: ENGINEERING OF SYNTHETIC CELLS AND 3D CULTURES WITH IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

• Full or Part Time
• Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Deutschland
• Hybrid
• Without Professional Experience
• 5/3/24

Starting on July 1st, 2024 (with flexibility).

INM's research group Immuno-Materials combines expertise from synthetic biology, biomaterials and immunology to develop new approaches for studying and regulating immune reactions.
Are you a master student (f/m/d) with a background in biotechnology, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioinformatics (or related fields) and looking for a thesis project? This might be something for you

Project 1 Formation of synthetic cell-based tissue with lymphatic properties.

We have implemented novel approaches to form completely artificial structures (synthetic cells) that can interact with living immune cells and direct their activation. The synthetic cells can be coupled to each other to form tissue-like architectures with structure and function of lymph nodes. Human T cells can be cultured in these synthetic lymph nodes and they activation can be studied with high molecular detail. We now aim to expand the responsiveness of these artificial tissues by integrating functional polymers to improve T cell-based immunotherapies. The master thesis should establish the respective protocols and analyze the phenotype of these cells. Techniques applying include: Confocal fluorescence microscopy, RNA sequencing, phosphor-proteome profiling, cell culture, ELISA, electron microscopy and mechanical testing by micro-indentation analysis.

Project 2 Analysis of structural adaptation mechanisms in pancreatic cancer

We have pioneered the developed of hybrid 3D cancer cultures formed from pancreatic cancer cells and synthetic cells. This approach can be applied to form artificial tumor immune microenvironments with defined properties and systematically study evasion mechanism of cancer in immunotherapy. We have identified specific molecular changes that the cancer cells undergo to reduce the effect of immunotherapy. The master thesis should study the induced effects on a structural level and the impact of specific immuno-modulators on tumor tissue organization. Techniques applying include: 3D cancer cell culture, immuno-staining, automated image analysis, AI-guiding image analysis, histology, confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application (CV, B.Sc. certificate or transcripts of record, motivation letter) by May 31, 2024.

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.