PhD Studentship in the Role of IKKalpha in Atherosclerosis
Germany – PhD Studentship in the Role of IKKalpha in Atherosclerosis at IMCAR, RWTH Aachen University
EuCAR: Euregio Cardiovascular International Research Training Group
We are now seeking a qualified applicant for a PhD student position in the EuCAR Training Group. EuCAR builds on the unique asset of a close proximity (< 30 km) and an extensive and complementary network of bilateral collaborations between the RWTH Aachen and Maastricht Universities. Given the enormous significance of cardiovascular disease for morbidity and mortality in western societies, the EuCAR research program is focused on the underlying macrovascular pathobiology and pathophysiology of Arterial Remodeling, namely atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization, but also therapeutic arteriogenesis and arterial tissue engineering.
Job description
The transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a central role in the inflammatory reactions associated with atherogenesis. Two main pathways can mediate NF-kappaB activation: while inflammatory signals (e.g. TNFalpha) induce “canonical” NF-kappaB activation through the IKKbeta/IKKgamma kinase complex, “alternative” NF-kappaB activation (by e.g. RANKL) depends on the IKKalpha kinase. Furthermore, IKKalpha has been shown to terminate canonical NF-kappaB activation in macrophages.
Despite this function of IKKalpha as a regulator of both canonical and alternative NF-kappaB activity, and despite the importance of NF-kappaB in atherogenic functions of e.g. macrophages and resident vascular cells, the contribution of IKKalpha to atherogenesis remains unexplored.
This project aims to identify the role of IKKalpha in atherogenesis in a cell type-specific approach. Key objective is to determine the significance of IKKalpha activation in early versus advanced atherosclerosis, and this in hematopoietic versus resident vascular cells.
Requirements
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic performance and scientific excellence in life sciences. In a bilateral approach, this project will be supervised by a professor and tenure-track assistant each from Aachen and Maastricht, implementing individual mentoring and qualification profiles. The teaching program is based on the PhD and MD/PhD programs in Aachen and Maastricht and linked by specific modules, soft skill training, master classes, lecture series, international annual workshops, and an eLearning platform. Fulfilling publication criteria and credit point requirements, successful graduates will receive a double degree (German Dr. rer.nat. and Dutch PhD).
Your application should include a CV, bibliography and references.
Please kindly mention GetScholarship.net when replying to this position