The Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry at the University of Münster is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) REMOD-HEALING. The research project, 'Targeting Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in Cutaneous Wounds to Promote Better Healing,' is a collaborative effort among leading European and Latin American scientists from academia and industry. The project aims to address the burden of pathological wounds by identifying therapeutic targets and biomarkers associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in cutaneous wounds.

The specific PhD project focuses on mapping and quantifying collagenase activity in protease-damaged tissue. Research areas include vascular and stromal ECM, cell adhesion, recombinant production of ECM and mammalian collagenases, protein chemical modifications, protease assays, in situ zymography, CD spectroscopy, FRET, and FLIM. Responsibilities involve generating collagenase-sensitive probes, equipping them with FRET and FLIM-capable molecular moieties for real-time fluorescence monitoring, determining probe characteristics, and using these probes to localize and quantify collagenase activity in damaged tissue samples. The project also includes developing non-cleavable homologs of the probes to block collagenase active sites and assessing the inhibition of collagenase-targeting tools.

Expected outcomes are the development of novel diagnostic tools for mapping and quantifying collagenase activity within wounded tissue, tests to determine collagenase activity as a marker of aberrant wound healing, and lead structures based on triple helical collagen that may serve as collagenase inhibitors for mechanistic studies. The position offers comprehensive training in molecular biology methods (cloning, PCR), protein expression, purification and modification, protein-chemical analysis, biophysical measurement techniques (circular dichroism, fluorescence polarisation, FRET analysis), microscopy (fluorescence, laser scanning, video), and cell culture technology (adhesion, migration, invasion assays).

The successful candidate will join a 36-month project as a Marie Skłodowska Curie trainee, with the objective of earning a doctoral degree (PhD). The program includes state-of-the-art research in an international consortium, expert training in both academic and industrial research environments, and research training periods in other consortium member labs. Notably, the position features a 3-month secondment at CNRS Lyon, France, and a 3-week placement at Nordic Bioscience, Denmark. Funding is provided according to EU guidelines, including mobility payments and family allowances where applicable.

Eligibility requirements include a Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry, experience in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and/or cell biology, and a willingness to learn new methods in an international team. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. Complete vaccination against measles is required. Applications from women and handicapped candidates are encouraged and will be given preference in case of equal qualifications.

To apply, submit a single PDF containing a letter of motivation, summary of your Master's thesis, transcript and degree certificate, and two letters of recommendation or referee contact details via the career portal by December 31, 2025. For inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble at [email protected].