Published Date: 11.03.2024.
The Hardt lab studies Salmonella diarrhea. We are interested in the molecular and cellular mechanisms that explain how the food-borne pathogen colonizes the gut, infects the gut tissue and causes disease.
Project background
Salmonella Typhimurium is a common cause of diarrhea resulting in much morbidity world-wide. As we are lacking vaccines and therapies, we need further research to identify targets for intervention. Research on the pathogen’s virulence factors and the host’s innate immune responses have been performed in mice or simplified tissue culture models. However, due to the lack of realistic tissue culture models, there is an important gap in our understanding of the molecular and cellular processes triggering gut tissue infection, inflammasome activation the extrusion of infected enterocytes.
Job description
The Hardt lab offers a fully funded PhD project aiming to establish an in vitro (i.v.) gut epithelium infection model which closely re-capitulates the real infection. The project will use this optimized setup to decipher the function of the Type III secretion system 1, enterocyte manipulation by the translocated effector proteins and the host’s innate immune defence.
Selected literature:
Fattinger, S.A., Böck, D., Di Martino, M.L., Deuring, S., Samperio Ventayol, P., Ek, V., Furter, M., Kreibich, S., Bosia, F., Müller-Hauser, A.A., Nguyen, B.D., Rohde, M., Pilhofer, M.*, Hardt, W.D.* and M.E. Sellin* (2020) Salmonella Typhimurium Discreet-Invasion of the Murine Gut Absorptive Epithelium. PLoS Pathogens 16(5):e1008503. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008503. free PMID: 32365138.
Hausmann, A.*, Felmy, B., Kunz, L., Kroon, S., Berthold, D.S., Ganz, G., Sandu, I., Nakamura, T., Zangger, N.S., Zhang, Y., Dolowschiak, T., Fattinger, S.A., Furter, M., Müller-Hauser, A.A., Barthel, M., Vlantis, K., Wachsmuth, L., Kisielow, J., Tortola, L., Heide, D., Heikenwalder, M., Oxenius, A., Kopf, M., Schroeder, T., Pasparakis, M., Sellin, M.E. and W.D. Hardt* (2021) Intercrypt sentinel macrophages tune antibacterial NF-κB responses in gut epithelial cells via TNF. J. Exp. Med. Vol. 218 No. 11 e20210862, https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210862. Free PMC PMC8480669.
Fattinger, S.A.*, Sellin, M.E.* and W.D. Hardt* (2021) Salmonella effector driven invasion of the gut epithelium: breaking in and setting the house on fire. Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 64:9-18. doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.08.007. Free access.
Fattinger, S.A.*, Maurer, L., Geiser, P., Bernard, E.M., Enzm U., Ganguillet, S., Gül, E., Kroon, S., Demarco, B., Mack, V., Furter, M., Barthel, M., Pelczar, P., Shao, F., Broz, P., Sellin, M.E.* and W.D. Hardt* (2023) Gasdermin D is the only Gasdermin that provides protection against acute Salmonella gut infection in mice. PNAS 120(48):e2315503120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2315503120.
Your profile
- An MSc or equivalent in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry or related fields
- Good written and oral communication skills in English (C1 or higher)
- Some knowledge of data analysis and a willingness to familiarize yourself further with relevant scientific software tools
- Experience with two or more of the following: tissue culture, organoids, cell biology, infection biology, FACS, fluorescence microscopy
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work in a team, have problem-solving skills, and the ability to self-organize and take personal responsibility in the fulfilment of tasks
- A curious mind, a positive attitude, a love of research
We offer
The PhD student will benefit from the lab’s expertise in Salmonella infection models and our large network of collaborators at ETH Zurich, the NCCR Microbiomes and world-wide partners. The Life Science Zurich graduate School will provide further opportunities for networking and technical support.
Start date: May 1st 2024, or later as negotiated.chevron_rightWorking, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- a letter of motivation describing your research experience, and scientific and professional/career goals, and indicates an ideal starting date
- the CV including contact information for 3 referees
- academic transcripts/list of courses completed or ongoing, including grades/notes.
Note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about the Hardt lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Hardt: [email protected].
Apply
