PhD Position

Join us to decipher how plasmanyl vs. plasmenyl (plasmalogen) ether lipids shape membrane biophysics and cellular function, with a focus on brain cell types and human disease

Abstract

The role of lipids in physiological and pathophysiological processes has been studied for decades, yet some classes were neglected due to analytical limits in quantifying levels, distinguishing subspecies, and identifying metabolic proteins. Ether lipids, a major subclass of glycerophospholipids, are a prime example. They contain an ether bond at the sn-1 position rather than the common ester bond and occur as saturated alkyl (plasmanyl) lipids and vinyl ether-containing alkenyl/plasmenyl lipids (plasmalogens, see Fig). In the current project, we will first generate and characterise immortalised cell lines and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) deficient for either GNPAT or PEDS1 using CRISPR/Cas9 (already partially available) to assess complete versus subtype-specific ether lipid deficiency. Several human diseases, e.g. neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, are associated with partial rather than total ether lipid deficiency. To mimic these situations and better understand the effect of a partial depletion of ether lipids in human cells, we will titrate ether lipid levels by means of i) biosynthesis inhibitors, ii) partial restoration using precursor compounds, iii) iPSC-derived knock-in cells carrying a hypomorphic mutation. HiPSCs will be differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and microglia in order to elucidate the functional consequences under conditions of total ether lipid deficiency, partial ether lipid deficiency and selective plasmalogen deficiency.

Skills to be acquired during the 4 year fully funded PhD training

• CRISPR/Cas9 technology on cell lines and hiPSCs including knock-in of a hypomorphic mutation
• Differentiation of hiPSCs and basic characterisation in neurons, astrocytes and microglia
• Characterisation using state-of-the-art confocal imaging
• Neurite outgrowth and branching, microglia phagocytosis using IncuCyte live-cell imaging
• Cellular markers, stimuli responses and characterisation of cellular plasticity using flow cytometry

PhD network and research environment

The project is funded by the FWF and is part of an interdisciplinary cooperation with Prof. Katrin Watschinger at the Medical University Innsbruck. At the Medical University Vienna, the project is embedded in a research network interested in the understanding of role of ether-lipid deficiency in ASD. The PhD student will benefit from:

• A dynamic research environment – you will be part of the neuroscience PhD-program https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/en/studies-further-education/phd-doctoral-programmes/phd-programme-un094/phd-thematic-programs/neuroscience/
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies
• Close collaboration with researchers working with ether lipids in health and disease
• Opportunities for scientific exchange through seminars, journal clubs, and national and international collaborations
• Participation in conferences and training activities supporting scientific and career development

Requirements

Master’s background in Neuroscience, Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or similar. Skilled in handling of cultured cells (experience in cultivation and differentiation of human iPSCs is a plus).

How to apply

Please send your CV and a motivation letter (the addition of up to two reference letters is encouraged) by August 15, 2026, to: Johannes.berger@meduniwien.ac.at

Univ.-Prof. Johannes Berger, Center for Brain Research, Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System

https://hirnforschung.meduniwien.ac.at/en/our-divisions/division-of-pathobiology-of-the-nervous-system/