The Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to joint damage and reduced quality of life, yet its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The FWF-funded project “MScense- Molecular Driver of Senescence in RA” investigates how aging-like changes in joint-resident cells contribute to persistent inflammation. We focus on the interplay of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), key regulators of tissue repair and immune balance, and T-cells, central players in immune responses, to identify novel disease mechanisms, biomarkers for early diagnosis, and potential therapeutic targets for more personalized RA treatment.
The Department for Biomedical Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) has a clearly defined, translational research focus centered on blood-related therapies and inflammation.
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The Department for Biomedical Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) has a clearly defined, translational research focus centered on blood-related therapies and inflammation.
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Early-Stage Researcher – PhD Student (m/f/d)
Your tasks
- Experimental research to investigate the induction of a senescent-like state in MSCs in RA and their interaction with T-cells
- Analysis of research data and publication of the results
- Tutoring of Bachelor and Master students
- Representation of the research group at conferences and symposia with poster presentations and scientific presentations
- Supporting the research group in administrative tasks
- Publish research findings in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Completing and submitting a cumulative PhD thesis in the PhD program "Regenerative Medicine" of the University for Continuing Education Krems within a three-year funded research project
Your profile
We require evidence of the following qualifications for the application:
In addition, the following criteria are desirable:
- Completion of a diploma or master's degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related subject (criterion must be met by 28th September 2026 at latest)
- Willingness to pursue a PhD within the program “Regenerative Medicine”
- Experience in lab work in the field of Molecular Biology (min. 6 months)
- Extensive cell culture experience with a focus on primary cells
- Expertise in functional assays for cell survival
- Hands-on experience in cellular phenotyping by flow cytometry or confocal microscopy
- Ability to work in a research team and to communicate research results
- Proficiency in scientific writing, demonstrated by scientific publications, presentations or a master’s thesis
- Excellent English skills (min. C1)
In addition, the following criteria are desirable:
- Experience in cell culture of MSCs and peripheral mononuclear cells
- Experience in analyzing and processing transcriptomic and proteomic data
- Advanced German skills (min. B2)
Your perspective
- Part-time position (30 hours/week) initially limited until 31 August 2029
- Salary of EUR 3,776.10 gross per month (14x) on a full-time basis
- Classification as a scientific project staff member according to § 49 VwGr. B1, Kollektivvertrag der Universitäten (collective agreement of universities) §49
- Start of employment: 1st October 2026
- State-of-the-art laboratories and Core Facilities
- Innovative and modern working environment at the Campus Krems
- Extensive benefits such as very good further training opportunities as part of our own study programs, a wide range of company health promotion programs and the University Sports Institute (USI)
The University for Continuing Education Krems sees high innovation potential in the diversity of its employees and is committed to diversity as a guiding principle. We therefore explicitly invite people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who meet the required profile criteria to apply for the position.
At the same time, the university aims to increase the proportion of women and explicitly invites qualified women to apply. Women will be given priority consideration if they have the same qualifications.
Your application should include the following:
We look forward to receiving your online application by 27 May 2026.
Privacy Notice:
We would like to point out that all application documents will be collected in the UWK application tool (SageDPW).
At the same time, the university aims to increase the proportion of women and explicitly invites qualified women to apply. Women will be given priority consideration if they have the same qualifications.
Your application should include the following:
- Letter of motivation specifying your interest in the project and why and how you believe you can contribute to this research (max. two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Degrees and transcripts
- Documentation of scientific experience (lab work, master thesis, presentations, publications)
- Excellent references from two previous supervisors or teachers
We look forward to receiving your online application by 27 May 2026.
Privacy Notice:
We would like to point out that all application documents will be collected in the UWK application tool (SageDPW).