Open Position for Master`s or Medical Students in Immunometabolism
Short description
The Bergthaler Lab at the Medical University of Vienna is seeking a motivated Master’s or Medical Student to contribute to a clinical collaboration project investigating the immunometabolic impact of cancer-associated cachexia on circulating immune cells. Cancer-associated cachexia is a systemic wasting syndrome a ecting many oncology patients, leading to substantial loss of body mass, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. The open position is part of an OeGHO-funded research project aiming to identify immunometabolic biomarkers of cancer-associated cachexia. In collaboration with Dr. Lynn Gottmann (Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy & Division of Oncology) and Dr. André Rendeiro (CeMM), we investigate immunological and metabolic alterations in patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as patients develop cachexia. The project will involve developing and optimising assays to characterise immune cell populations and their cellular metabolism. Following initial assay development in PBMCs from healthy individuals, the student will analyse primary patient-derived PBMCs from longitudinal and cross-sectional cancer patient samples. Results from this study may have the potential to have direct translatable impact for patients and may prompt a large-scale validation study.
Requirements
- Enrollment in a relevant Master’s program, e.g. immunology, metabolism, molecular biology, biomedicine, or a related field
- Previous laboratory experience with basic molecular and immunological techniques (e.g. PCR, Western blotting, imaging)
- Strong interest in immunology and metabolism
- High motivation, ability to work independently, and e ective teamwork
- Availability to contribute substantially to the project (ideally ~12 month-period)
- Previous experience with flow cytometry is an advantage but not required
What we offer
- Close supervision in an interdisciplinary research lab at the interface of clinical and fundamental research
- Hands-on experience with immunological and metabolic assays in primary immune cells
- Opportunity to contribute to additional lab projects, including those using mouse models
- Development of independent research skills and experience in translational research
Application
Applications should be submitted to Dr. Felix Richter (felix.c.richter@meduniwien.ac.at) and include a CV, a brief statement of motivation, and, if applicable, a recent transcript of records. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please apply by November 2, 2026. The preferred starting period is January 2027.
More information on the lab: https://www.bergthalerlab.org