Arbeitsgruppe Allergenbiologie

Open PhD position

Unraveling the Allergenic Role of Oleosins in Nut and Seed Allergies

START: March 2027
DURATION: 4 years
LOCATION: Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Oleosins are hydrophobic proteins that stabilize lipid droplets in seeds and have emerged as potent but poorly characterized allergens. Their hydrophobic nature makes them difficult to study using conventional methods, leaving important questions about their prevalence, cross-reactivity and ability to trigger allergic reactions unanswered. This project will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying oleosin allergenicity. We will establish a yeast-based platform to produce structurally authentic oleosins in a native-like lipid environment and examine how their structure and spatial organization influence immune recognition. By combining molecular allergology, structural characterization, patient-derived samples, functional immune assays and cellular models, the project aims to advance understanding of oleosin-mediated allergic responses, address diagnostic gaps in nut and seed allergy, and support safer oleosome-based biotechnological applications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Protein production & characterization: Establish yeast-based oleosin production and assess oleosome integrity using confocal microscopy, dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism.

• IgE binding & cross-reactivity: Analyze patient sera using ELISA, inhibition and immunoblot assays.

• Functional immunology: Test basophil and mast cell activation and investigate epithelial uptake, immune signaling and T-cell polarization using intestinal and skin cell models and PBMC co-cultures.

YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences or a related field, and an interest in protein biochemistry, immunology and allergic disease mechanisms. You should be eager to learn experimental methods, communicate effectively, and work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Good written and spoken English is expected. Experience in protein biochemistry, immunological techniques or cell culture would be an advantage.

CONTACT

Principal investigator: Merima Bublin, PhD Assoc. Prof.
Contact: merima.bublin@meduniwien.ac.at
Research Group Allergen Biology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research
Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology
Medical University of Vienna, Austria