Job Description
The Fraunhofer Society currently operates 74 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.
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.
- 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
- 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