PhD Thesis - Therapy for Huntington's Disease

The Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP researches and develops innovative methods for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases resulting from impaired immune system functions.

We see ourselves as a strong partner to university medicine for the consistent translation of research findings into application, as well as to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry for the application of the latest findings from science and research to specific projects.

One of our projects aims to innovate therapeutic advancements for Huntington's disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the glymphatic and lymphatic systems, which are critical for removing the waste products of brain cells.

Major symptoms include motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and neurological issues. Currently, there is neither a known treatment to delay Huntington's disease onset nor sufficient digital tools to evaluate the lymphatic system.

Our mission is to collect comprehensive imaging data from these systems to develop a machine learning algorithm and thus create a versatile tool for preclinical therapeutic evaluation.

What you will do

• Use novel animal models to visualize brain lymphatic vasculature
• Implement imaging techniques to monitor the lymphatic system in Huntington s disease mouse models
• Capture detailed images of the meningeal lymphatic vasculature using advanced imaging platforms
• Gather and organize imaging data for subsequent software development
• Test mHTT-lowering therapeutics in the developed HD animal models
• Validate the software’s effectiveness in quantifying lymphatic function improvements and determine the optimal therapeutic dosage
• Perform behavioral tests to assess cognitive and motor function

What you bring to the table

• Master's degree in natural sciences
• Animal handling experience (essential), additional expertise with neurodegenerative models, and either a certification in animal handling and care or a completed FELASA course certificate are highly desirable
• Advanced imaging skills and ideally experience with platforms such as confocal and two-photon microscopy and in vivo imaging systems
• Experience administering and evaluating the effects of therapeutics in animal models, preferably with previous engagement in behavioral tests to assess cognitive and motor function in mice
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Passionate about research, highly interested in exploring neurodegenerative diseases, and ambition to significantly contribute to therapeutic advances

What you can expect

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position is limited to 3 years.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity.

Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement for trainees (TVAöD).

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process.

As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact :

Dr. Elaine Roby

Phone : +49 (0) 69870025052

Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP

Requisition Number : 75191 Application Deadline :