PostDoc Position (funded)

Funded Postdoc position in the field of autoimmunity (Immunology, Rheumatology), Medical University of Vienna, Austria

We are looking for a highly motivated, curiosity-driven and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our research team to explore molecular mechanisms leading to the development of immune-related non-communicable diseases (IR-NCD), with a focus on rheumatic diseases, in particular Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

In recent years, it has been shown that infectious diseases can trigger the development of so-called IR-NCDs such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on certain genetic and environmental factors. Importantly however, the exact molecular triggers and genetic/environmental factors that tip this fine balance from health to IR-NCDs are still vastly unknown, and unraveling them represent the core aim of this project. By using novel technological approaches including large-scale & meta-data analyses (PhIP-Seq, BCR/TCR Sequencing, HLA promiscuity assays) our project aims to unravel this mystery.

This position is funded by and embedded within the Horizon-Europe project and European consortium Dark Matter (https://www.darkmatter-project.eu/) and will be conducted under the supervision of Michael Bonelli at the Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna (https://bonellilab.org/).

Your Tasks

• Evaluate the role of candidate triggers and genetic/environmental factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and other IR-ICDs on patients’ cells.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team within the Division of Rheumatology at MUW and the -international Dark Matter Consortium to identify molecular cues involved in the pathogenesis of Rheumatic diseases.
• Participate pro-actively to regular meetings, both online, and onsite to develop the project and strengthen our collaborations with our partners.
• Build on the original proposal by establishing holistic collaborations to reach the Dark Matter project’s aims and beyond (including developing new approaches).
• Mentor & supervise junior members of the team working on related projects.

Your Opportunity

• Develop a scientific career towards an independent researcher.
• Present your work at national and international meetings.
• Work in a highly collaborative, translational and international team of researchers.
• Live in one of the worlds most livable city.

Your Profile

• You have (or will soon obtain) a PhD and a solid publication record (at least one first-author publication) in a relevant field (Immunology, Cell Biology, or another relevant biomedical area).
• You have a proven experience and interest in data analyses.
• You are independent, curious and eager to think creatively to solve challenges and reach the aims of the project and beyond.
• You are accurate and diligent in your scientific work and its documentation.
• You are a natural communicator and are eager to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team both locally and internationally. You have experience in supervising team members.

Our Offer

• Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary international team, providing valuable training in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.
• Access to our research environment with state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.
• Access to the Horizon Europe Dark Matter consortium with multiple opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Participation in meetings, seminars, and workshops, offering exposure to the latest research in the field.

Application

If you are interested to join our team, please submit a CV, a letter of motivation and two reference letters to: bonelli_lab@meduniwien.ac.at (Deadline: 15.01.2025)

Our Expertise on the Research Topic

Cytokine-directed cellular cross-talk imprints synovial pathotypes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. September 2023
/!\ Watch our dedicated video on this link.

TNFR2 is critical for TNF-induced rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte inflammation. Rheumatology (Oxford). November 2022.

Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1): A key player of T cell-mediated arthritis. J Autoimmun. March 2020