Masters Thesis: Autoantibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay Development (m/w/d)

The NMI is a member of the Innovation Alliance Baden-Württemberg. It is involved in application-oriented research at the interface between the life sciences and material science. An interdisciplinary team of scientists is developing new technologies for companies and public research sponsors in the areas of Pharma and Biotech, Biomedicine and Materials Science, and Material Analysis and Electron Microscopy.

The Multiplex Immunoassays Group at the NMI has strong expertise in multiplex miniaturized immunoassays.  We are experts in assay development and validation, with unique capabilities for large-scale screening projects with tens of thousands of samples for biomarker discovery and qualification.  One strong focus of our group, is serological testing for antibodies following pathogen infection (SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis viruses, MTB etc).

This position is available to start immediately. 

Subject of this thesis

Recent research during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has uncovered the role of cytokines and autoantibodies in disease progression, establishing a causal link between the expression of different cytokines/autoantibodies and increased disease severity.  Our in-house developed assay is currently used in multiple national screening projects, identifying SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and seroprevalence. To run parallel to this assay and to enhance it further, we seek to develop a new immunoassay for autoantibodies.

In this thesis, you would develop an assay to identify cytokine/autoantibody signatures of SARS-CoV-2 infection in serum and saliva.  You would also have the opportunity to take part in the development of immunoassays for other infectious viruses (i.e. Rhinovirus) as part of a collaborative team effort.

You should bring

• Relevant studies in Biochemistry, Biology or a related discipline
• Structured and conscientious way of working
• Interest in “hands-on” experimental work
• Willingness to work with potentially infectious material

We Offer

• Highly motivated, competent, multidisciplinary team with scientific and technical employees
• The opportunity to work independently under excellent supervision and to gain practical experimental experience
• Excellent technical equipment for all aspects of assay development
• The thesis must last for a minimum of six months

Your contact person

Frau Katja Rösslein