Our Research Unit is supported by the Emmy-Noether Excellence Program of the German National Science Foundation and affiliated with the Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology of the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich and the Dept. of Neuroimmunology of the Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology.
Our main focus is to develop new therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis a common neurological disease. In multiple sclerosis immune cells attack brain and spinal cord and damage nerve cells, their connections and the myelin sheets that isolate them. Our recent studies indicate that a particular immune cell type, the macrophage, is primarily responsible for tissue damage. However, while macrophages mediate tissue damage in multiple sclerosis, they can in principle also contribute to CNS protection and repair (Kerschensteiner et al., 2003). This indicates that depending on the disease context macrophages can be polarized towards distinct “destructive” or “protective” phenotypes. The aim of this post-doctoral project is now to use a combination of in vivo imaging and ex vivo gene expression profiling to determine the regulatory factors that drive macrophages towards destruction or protection.
We are looking for hard-working, highly motivated applicants who are fluent in english and have a degree in a relevant field of study (biology, biochemistry, medicine). The start date for this position is negotiable, but we aim for the fall of 2008. Funding for this project is secured through a grant by the German National Science Foundation. If you would like to apply, please submit your letter of intent, curriculum vitae and names of two referees to:
Prof. Dr. Martin Kerschensteiner
Head of the Research Unit Therapy Development
Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistr. 17, 81377 Munich, Germany.
Email: Martin.Kerschensteiner@med.uni-muenchen.de
