M.Sc. Thesis position in the group of Prof. Dr. Martin Stradner Medical University of Graz – Austria

Online seit: 21.07.2026 - 09:41

Beschreibung

PreSStige: Uncovering early drivers of autoimmunity

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is an autoimmune condition primarily impacting the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to massive destruction and loss of secretory function. SjD includes the presence of autoantibodies, immune infiltration, and systemic involvement with a sex-bias toward females at 9:1. The diagnostic criteria of SjD relies largely on assessment of such destructive features – resulting in extensive irreversible damage already present at the time patients are diagnosed. This means not only that therapies cannot restore function, but also that available material for research is of progressed disease with complex immune infiltration of T-cells, B-cells, and innate cells as well as a diverse cytokine profile. Due to this, study of the initiating steps in SjD pathogenesis cannot be assessed in existing datasets.
Our project: PreSStige, comprises an autoantibody positive cohort of those at risk of SjD and follows their progression to a SjD diagnosis. Briefly, biomaterial, including blood and saliva, is collected annually from PreSStige patients, and, following diagnosis, we study what abnormalities occurring in the years before SjD onset.
Within this project, you would join us in our efforts to discover how SjD begins, including study of cellular, protein, and transcriptional drivers. We employ a range of techniques to study this question, including flow cytometry, cell culture, omic analysis, analysis of clinical parameters, molecular biology.
Our group is found within the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at the Medical University of Graz. Here, we focus on translational immunology, bridging the gap between clinical and basic research. Within this team you will also have the opportunity to develop skills in communication, critical thinking, time management and collaboration.
We are searching for motivated candidates to apply for this opportunity to join our lab for a minimum of 6 months. Financial compensation is available and can be negotiated on an individual basis. English fluency as well as a positive attitude and a willing to learn are required for this position. Previous lab-based experience is preferred but not essential, especially that in flow cytometry, cell culture, or molecular biology techniques.
Please contact us for more information and send your CV and motivation for this project via email to both of the following contacts. We look forward to hearing from you!

Prof. Dr. Martin Stradner
[YjY0dGFnOm1hcnRpbi5zdHJhZG5lckBtZWR1bmlncmF6LmF0]
Head of Diagnostic Immunology
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology
Medical University Graz
Auenbruggerplatz 15
8036 Graz

Chloe Edwards M.Sc.
[YjY0dGFnOmNobG9lLmVkd2FyZHNAbWVkdW5pZ3Jhei5hdA==]
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology Zentrum für Medizinische Forschung (ZMF)
Medical University Graz
Stiftingtalstraße 24
8010 Graz

Eckdaten

Stundenanzahl:	20-40 h/Woche
Gehalt:	X EUR pro Monat