Preclinical Molecular Imaging

Transcription

1 Curriculum PhD Research Training Group Preclinical Molecular Imaging Department of Radiology University of Tübingen

2 Content 00 Preface Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Members of the laboratory Performance and infrastructure Current scientific projects Cooperation partners Scientific publications Graduate Program Scientific focus Curriculum Conferences and workshops Awards Research budget Fellowships and financial budget What is special about our program? Scientific Fields of the Program Program partners Coordinator PhD Program Application Process Prerequisites Selection procedure How to apply? Location Scientific environment Cultural environment Further Information and Contact... 33

3 Preface Preface Molecular and in particular small animal imaging is an emerging tool impacting on various biomedical research areas such as neurology, oncology, cardiology or immunology. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry recognizes the exceptional potential of molecular imaging for drug research. The Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology was founded in 2005 and has been supported by the Werner Siemens-Foundation through an independent professorship since January The laboratory maintains close scientific collaborations with Siemens Medical Solutions (Knoxville, USA and Erlangen, Germany), Bruker Biospin MRI (Ettlingen, Germany) and major European pharmaceutical companies. Our Objective is to establish a PhD Research Training Group at the University of Tübingen, with a focus on Preclinical Molecular Imaging. Our Vision is to set up a novel graduate school without conventional rigid student-like structures. Instead, our focus will be on providing PhD candidates a research environment with the support needed whilst allowing the individuals as much freedom as possible. The Werner Siemens-Foundation provides funding to establish this graduate school at the Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen, to encourage graduate students to take up training in the very exciting, innovative and interdisciplinary research field of preclinical molecular imaging Our Curriculum will not be based on educational classes but rather candidates will be actively encouraged to attend international meetings in order to present their work in front of a specialized audiences, and network with top international researchers. In addition, scientific off-site meetings, journal clubs and seminars with talks from colleagues and first-class guest speakers from internationally reputable laboratories will build and support an excellent learning environment. Further unique features of our program include an optional research stay abroad in a collaborating laboratory in the US. All PhD students manage their own annual research budget to have a certain financial independence to pursue new ideas without the requirement of the supervisor s permission. This not only educates the candidates scientifically, but also enables them to develop into mature researchers. The continuous performance control and final rating of the PhD work is not primarily based on the written thesis but on scientific output such as peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions, overall research goals achieved, awards aquired, and in the ideal case third-party grant funding obtained. We believe that this PhD research training group program will attract highly motivated junior researchers to develop their research career in a scientific stimulating environment as opposed to conventional training and research structures. Prof. Bernd Engler President of the University Prof. Ingo Autenrieth Dean of the Medical Faculty Prof. Bernd Pichler Program Director

4 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Members of the laboratory The team of the Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation is an interdisciplinary group, consisting of PhD and master students, postdocs, technicians and engineers as well as administrative officers. The members come from different scientific backgrounds such as physics, biology, medicine, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, and engineering. Prof. Pichler also heads the Division of Radiopharmacy with ten highly qualified radiopharmacists, chemists and engineers. Stefan Wiehr Bernd Pichler Damaris Kukuk Hans Wehrl Nadine Kemmler Kerstin Fuchs Florian Maier Julian Schwab Konrad Lankes Uta Paulsen Julia Mannheim Manfred Kneilling Markus Kühs Christoph Grießinger Vesna Sossi Matthias Hofmann Armin Kolb Martin Judenhofer Andreas Schmid llja Bezrukov Tanja Walsh Daniel Bukala Kristina Fischer

5 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Performance and infrastructure Third party grant funding (status October 2008) Performance Prof. Bernd Pichler has been the head of the laboratory since 2005 and over the last 3 years the laboratory has developed from a small laboratory into a state-of-the-art facility for preclinical imaging. Our success is demonstrated by the continuous increase in the number of publications and the quality of the journals in which publications are being placed, as well as the amount of funds raised and the growth and development of personnel (Figure 1-4). Euros (thousand) Number of journal publications 160 Impact factor Figure 3: Available funds raised per year, calculated from funds raised between 2005 and Number First/last author Co-author Figure 1: Number of journal publications by the working group per year. Impact factor (total) Figure 2: Accumulated impact points by all publications of the working group per year. Numbers Personnel development PhD Students Postdocs Technicians/Engineers Administration Figure 4: Personnel development and structure between 2005 and 2008

6 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Infrastructure The laboratory is equipped with latest small animal imaging technology such as two Inveon micropets, an Inveon microct, a combined SPECT/CT system, a PET/CT, 7 T MRI, optical imaging, 16 MeV cyclotron, radiochemistry laboratories, GMP laboratory for tracer production, and clinical as well as preclinical PET/MRI. The imaging modalities are complemented by molecular biology methods (rtpcr, autoradiography, ELISA etc.) and a state of the art cell culture laboratory. The group currently spreads over 400 m 2 of laboratory and 200 m 2 of office space. MRI operator room Molecular biology laboratory PET Detector Laboratory Inveon micropet scanner site High resolution microct Radiopharmacy 7T animal MRT Optical imaging Cell culture laboratory

7 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Current scientific projects Current projects of the laboratory address two main research areas, biomedicine as well as physics including PET detector research. Thus, the laboratory provides an ideal environment for biologists, biochemists, veterinarians, chemists, physician, engineers and physicists. In vivo sizing of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes via magnetic resonance tomography This project comprises in vivo analysis of the growth of Echinococcus multilocularis in the peritoneal cavity of infected jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) using magnetic resonance tomography. Zoological studies: Comparative morphology of vertebrates The projects deal with the comparative morphology of fish and the ear region of mammalians using microct. Imaging of T-cell-trafficking in an animal model for contact hypersensitivity reaction The goal of the study is to visualize the migration properties of T-cells in animal models of inflammation. Additionally, the establishment of new labeling methods for the non-invasive tracking of T-cells by in vivo imaging is a focus of this work. Non-invasive detection of amyloid plaques using combined functional and morphological imaging This project involves the establishment and evaluation of imaging techniques in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimers Disease, using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT). PET-imaging with highly specific radiolabeled monoclonal PSMA antibodies for targeting prostate cancer The objective of this project is to investigate the in vivo behavior and tumor uptake of radiolabeled anti-ps- MA specific monoclonal antibodies and to evaluate their potential as a diagnostic tracer for positron emission tomography. Investigation of novel PET Tracer in hormone-independent and hormone-dependent prostate cancer in xenograft mouse models The object of this project is to evaluate PET biomarkers for in vivo delineation of human prostate tumors in xenograft mouse models. Studies comprise the different pharmacodynamics and uptake characteristics of [ 18 F]FLT, [ 18 F]FDG, [ 11 C]Choline and [ 18 F] FECh in the two hormone-independent cell lines PC-3 and DU145 and the two hormone-dependent tumor models CWR22 and PAC120 using small animal PET imaging.

8 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Combined PET and MRI This comprehensive project aims to develop and evaluate combined clinical and dedicated animal PET/MRI systems. The project focuses on the development of MRI compatible PET detectors based on avalanche photo diodes (APDs) or Geiger-mode APDs (G-APDs). Other subprojects focus on novel PET/MR imaging applications which can be pursued with such a system in the fields of oncology, neurology and cardiology. The world-wide first PET/MRI clinical brain scanner, located in Tübingen, is being evaluated and the issue of MR-based PET attenuation correction, which is of major concern in human applications, is being investigated. Simultaneous PET/MRI in oncology The aim of this project is to assess the potential of simultaneous PET/MR imaging in oncological studies. Advantages of combined PET/MR in imaging different cancer models will be evaluated. Strategies will be developed for integrated cancer imaging to yield a maximum of metabolical and anatomical information, therefore supporting treatment decisions and monitoring. Simultaneous PET/MRI of an infarcted mouse myocardium An attractive aspect of the combined PET/MRI system is the possibility to acquire both multi-functional and morphological data simultaneously. Thus, multimodality imaging of a beating heart is feasible with very high registration accuracy. In this project mice with myocardial infarction are investigated, using [ 18 F]FDG and MRI. Pancreas tumor magnetic resonance imaging in the RIP1-Tag2 mouse model The scope of this project is to reliably identify the pancreas in a mouse, using magnetic resonance imaging and to investigate the minimum size of tumors that can be distinguished from normal pancreas tissue using magnetic resonance techniques. Simultaneous functional PET/ MRI in neurology The goal of this project is to evaluate the opportunities and limitations of simultaneous multifunctional PET/MRI imaging in neurology. Perfusion measurements obtained with PET and MRI will be compared and cross calibrated. In addition, the metabolic basics of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effect in functional MRI will be evaluated.

9 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation In vivo PET-imaging of inflammation and hypoxia in a small animal model of rheumatoid arthritis This project focuses on the in vivo investigation of the role of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis during the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using newly designed hypoxia-markers to evaluate their clinical relevance and applicability. For this and most of the other projects we use in vitro methods like rtpcr, Western-Blot, ELISA or immunohistology to complement the in vivo imaging data. PET in vivo quantification of the dopaminergic system of rats and mice in an animal model of Parkinson s Disease - Limits and possibilities The objective of the study is to evaluate quantification limits of neurodegeneration in rats and mice using small animal PET and 7 Tesla MRI. As PET probes we use dopamine transporter and dopamine receptor ligands. Kinetic modelling allows us to assess parameter like receptor density or K D. MR-based Attenuation Correction for PET/MR In current PET/MR setups attenuation correction needs to be performed based on the MR image. This project uses machine learning methods, atlas registration and novel MR sequences to determine the attenuation map from the MR image. Radiopharmacy and in vivo hypoxia imaging in mice In this project, our radiochemists work on the design and synthesis of novel PET markers for hypoxia imaging. G-APDs for PET/MRI detectors This project focuses on investigating the suitability of Geigermode APDs (G-APDs) for usage in high resolution PET applications. We are developing a novel detector which has the capacity to work in high magnetic fields of combined PET/MRI providing depth of interaction information for optimal spatial resolution. Furthermore, fast readout electronics, specifically for G-APDs, will be developed. Evaluation of clinical PET/MRI In this work, the influence of the PET insert on the MR image quality of the world first clinical PET/MRI system will be analyzed. Furthermore, measurements to evaluate the PET performance of the MR compatible scanner will be performed. Next Generation PET/MRI scanner Within this project we will develop the world first PET insert for small animal MRI scanners which enables the simultaneous acquisition of whole body mouse PET and MRI images. For optimal performance the insert must fit between the standard gradient coil and a rat whole body coil of the MRI. The planned FOV in axial direction is 72 mm, this is enough for whole body mouse or multi-bed rat scans. Performance evaluation of the Siemens Inveon small animal PET scanner Small animal PET scanners are used increasingly in biomedical research. This study evaluates the relevant performance parameters of the Siemens Inveon PET, which is a state of the art small animal PET scanner.

10 Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Cooperation partners Scientific publications International and national academic partners > University of California, Davis, USA > University of California, San Francisco, USA > Universität Freiburg, Germany > Universität Innsbruck, Austria > Universität Münster, Germany > University of Gießen, Germany > Technische Universität München, Germany > Washington University, St. Louis, USA > Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA > University of Queensland, Australia Industry partners > Astra Zeneca, UK > Bayer Schering Pharma, Germany > Boehringer-Ingelheim, Biberach, Germany > Hamamatsu Photonics, Herrsching, Germany > Merck, Germany > Oncodesign, Dijon, France > Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany > Siemens Preclinical Solutions, Knoxville, TN, USA > Synovo, Tübingen, Germany Academic partners at Tübingen > Clinic of Cardiology > Clinic of Dentistry > Clinic of Dermatology > Clinic of Internal Medicine > Clinic of Neurology > Clinic of Radiology > Institute of Anatomy > Institute of Biochemistry > Institute for Human Genetics > Institute of Immunology > Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene > Institute of Microbiology > Institute of Molecular Biology > Institute of Pathology > Institute of Zoology > Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics > University Eye Hospital The following list shows a selection of the most important recent scientific manuscripts: M. Hofmann, F. Steinke, V. Scheel, G. Charpiat, J. Farquhar, P. Aschoff, M. Brady, B. Schölkopf, and B.J. Pichler: MR-based attenuation correction for PET/MR: A Novel Approach Combining Pattern Recognition and Atlas Registration. J Nucl Med. 49(11): , 2008 H-P. Schlemmer, B.J. Pichler, M. Schmand, Z. Burbar, C. Michel, R. Ladebeck, K. Jattke, D. Townsend, C. Nahmias, P.K. Jacob, W.-D. Heiss, C.D. Claussen: Simultaneous MR/PET Imaging of the Human Brain: Feasibility Study. Radiology 248(3): , 2008 B.J. Pichler, H.F. Wehrl, M.S. Judenhofer: Latest advances in molecular imaging instrumentation. J Nucl Med. 49 Suppl 2: 5S-23S., 2008 H.F. Langer, R. Haubner, B.J. Pichler, M. Gawaz: Radionuclide imaging: A molecular key to the atherosclerotic plaque. J Am Coll Cardiol. 52(1):1-12, 2008 N. Müller-Hermelink*, H. Braumüller*, B. Pichler*, T. Wieder, R. Mailhammer, K. Schaak, K. Ghoreschi, A. Yazdi, R. Haubner, C.A. Sander, R. Mocikat, M. Schwaiger, I. Förster, R. Huss, W.A. Weber, M. Kneilling, M. Röcken: TNFR1 signaling and IFN-gamma signaling determine whether T cells induce tumor dormancy or promote multistage carcinogenesis. Cancer Cell. 13(6):507-18, 2008 (*contributed equally) M. Föller, S. Feil, K. Ghoreschi, S. Koka, A. Gerling, M. Thunemann, F. Hofmann, B. Schuler, J. Vogel, B. Pichler, R.S. Kasinathan, J.P. Nicolay, S.M. Huber, F. Lang, R. Feil: Anemia and splenomegaly in cgki-deficient mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 105(18):6771-6, 2008 M.S. Judenhofer, H.F. Wehrl, D.F. Newport, C. Catana, S.B. Siegel, M. Becker, A. Thielscher, M. Kneilling, M. Lichy, M. Eichner, K. Klingel, G. Reischl, S. Widmaier, M. Röcken, R.E. Nutt, H.-J. Machulla, K. Uludag, S.R. Cherry, C.D. Claussen, B.J. Pichler: Simultaneous PET/MRI: A new approach for functional and morphological imaging. Nat Med. 14(4):459-65, 2008 C. Catana, D. Procissi, Y. Wu, M.S. Judenhofer, J. Qi, B.J. Pichler, R.E. Jacobs, S.R. Cherry: Simultaneous in vivo positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A., 11;105(10): , 2008 M. Angstenberger, J.W. Wegerner, B.J. Pichler, M.S. Judenhofer, S. Feil, S. Alberti, R. Feil, A. Nordheim: Severe intestinal obstruction upon induced smooth musclespecific ablation of the transcription factor SRF in adult mice. Gastroenterology, 133(6): , 2007 Judenhofer, C. Catana, B.K. Swann, S.B. Siegel, W.-I. Jung, R.E. Nutt, S.R. Cherry, C.D. Claussen, B.J. Pichler: Simultaneous PET/MR images, acquired with a compact MRI compatible PET detector in a 7 Tesla magnet. Radiology, 244(3):807-14, 2007 M. Kneilling*, L. Hültner*, B.J. Pichler*, R. Mailhammer, L. Morawietz, S. Solomon, M. Eichner, J. Sabatino, T. Biedermann, V. Krenn, W. A. Weber, H. Ilges, R. Haubner, M. Röcken: Targeted mast cell cell silencing prevents joint destruction and angiogenesis in experimental arthritis. Arth Rheum, 56(6): , 2007 (*contributed equally) A complete list of all publications of the laboratory and further information concerning the projects can be found at:

11 Graduate program Graduate Program Scientific focus PhD candidates enter the program by selecting a major subject and gain their first laboratory experience in a laboratory focusing on their chosen subject in the first 3 months. This includes laboratories located at the University or at the Max Planck Institutes in Tübingen. PhD candidates can choose their major topic from a list of available projects, ranging from detector-physics, image reconstruction to basic biomedical research in the fields of oncology, neurology, cardiology, immunology or infection biology (Figure 5). Subsequently, graduate training group members enter the small animal imaging program, working on the topic and project selected as the major subject for their PhD thesis for about 30 months. During this time, the participants of the graduate program are located at the Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology. A close link to the initial training laboratory is mandatory. The final 3 months are spent in the imaging department of the Clinic of Radiology to give PhD candidates an impression of clinical imaging applications (Figure 5). thesis on completion of their research project. Following the approval of their thesis by the committee and successful completion of an oral examination, the candidates receive a doctoral degree from the University of Tübingen. The following doctoral degrees will be offered: Doctoral degree Dr. med. 1 Dr. sc. hum. 2 Dr. rer. nat. 2 Dr. rer. nat. 2 MD/PhD 3 PhD 3 1 Dr. med is equivalent to an MD title Qualified applicants Physicians University degree, Bachelor degree Physicist Biologist Physicians University degree Laboratory work Work on PhD thesis Major Subjects Departments Oncology Neurology Cardiology Radiation Oncology Dermatology Internal Medicine Radiology Neurology Medical Genetics Internal Medicine Radiology Immunology & Biology Immunology Dermatology Molecular Biology Anatomy Transgenic Animals Biochemistry Medical Genetics Chemistry Tissue Engineering Radiochemistry Biochemistry Microbiology Medical Microbiology and Hygiene Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technologies Preclinical imaging research - Imaging Technology & Data Analysis - Interdisciplinary Fields - Radiochemistry micropet - 7 Tesla MRI - cell culture - histology - microspect - microct - optical imaging - ELISA - rtpcr - autoradiography Clinic Department of Radiology Imaging Technology Empirical Inference Biomedical Engineering Bioinformatics Radiology ~ 3 months ~ 30 months ~ 3 months 2 Dr. rer. nat. and Dr. sc. hum. is equivalent to a PhD title Participants of the graduate program gain theoretical and practical training, and conduct a research project under supervision of an designated experienced senior scientist and are monitored by the thesis advisory committee. PhD candidates submit a written 3 planned new doctoral degrees at the University of Tübingen Graduation Figure 5: Organization of the graduate program. Doctoral degree 36 month

12 Graduate program Curriculum A rich program of courses, lectures, workshops, off-site meetings and conferences is offered to the students. As part of their education, PhD candidates are required to participate in specified activities and fulfill given requirements as part of their PhD program. One focus is the development of soft skills (e.g. how to write a paper, how to prepare and give a talk, how to write a grant application) which is reflected in the course curriculum and assessment criteria. PhD candidates attend monthly seminars with a guest speaker and a fortnightly journal club. Every second week a participant talks about his project in a seminar. After 18 months, PhD candidates deliver a progress report and a plan on the next steps which makes up 20% of their final score. The PhD thesis in English will be handed in after 36 months and will be rated with 20% of the final score. Furthermore, the laboratory performance will be subject to an annual evaluation (accounts for 30% of the final score). Two publications as first author within three years (accounts for 20% of final score) are part of the PhD program. The final examination will make up 10% of the total score (Table 1). To develop skills in writing grant applications, participants of the graduate program are required to write a grant application during the 3 year period either individually or as a group task. The intermediate progress report has to be written according to the NIH or DFG grant guidelines. Table 1: Educational program Time frame Educational event Required action Monthly Fortnightly Fortnightly Seminar (invited speaker) Journal club Seminar (project talk) Attendance required Attendance/presentation Attendance/report on project Bi-annual Off-site meeting Attendance Annual International/ national conference Table 2: Rating of the PhD work Time frame Month 18 Deliverable Progress report, plan next steps Attendance Percentage of final assessment 20% Month 36 PhD thesis 20% Annual within 36 months Laboratory performance Two publications (first author) 30% 20% Months Final examination 10% Conferences and workshops Participants of the program attend one international and one national conference per year, to present their current results by a poster or an oral presentation. This will help students develop the skills needed in a scientific career, like confidence and professionalism while giving a lecture and presenting their own work to other scientists. Also, a scientific exchange with experienced researchers from other groups initiates new ideas and is stimulating for the PhD candidates. It is important for junior scientists to compare their work with the presentations from other groups. Additionally, off-site workshops with the whole work group are planned twice a year, to foster exchange between group members and to stimulate the group interaction. These enhanced skills will enable students to present themselves in an optimal way for future job opportunities. Awards A committee of the research training group announces an annual publication award for the best paper and the best poster published. All PhD candidates of the laboratory are eligible for this award. Winners receive an official certificate and Euro to reward their success in the presentation of their scientific work. Currently 20 people work in the lab with different backgrounds from physics, biology, medicine, biochemistry, computer science, and engineering. Research budget Students will receive their own research budget. The budget will be controlled and managed exclusively by the student and is flexibly applicable. Thereby students learn to take responsibility for their own budget, gain independence and flexibility within their project and are able to demonstrate their ability to handle a fixed budget. An additional budget can be awarded for successful grant applications, gained individually or as a group. These skills help students to show their ability to manage a fixed budget and will train them to raise additional money.

13 Graduate program Fellowships and financial budget Initially is planned to fund five PhD fellowships for three years. The monthly net salary will be approximately 1000 Euro. Furthermore students receive an annual budget for their research project which is completely under their own control. Every student should actively participate in one international and one national conference per year where an abstract as first author has to be accepted. Two off-site workshops per year with the whole work group are also planned. Individuals or groups can strive for an additional flexible budget through a grant application annually. Furthermore performancerelated internal grants for further project costs will be made available for the students. This will result in an additional flexible budget for all students per year. Mentoring The PhD candidates will be supervised and mentored by experienced senior researchers and have the support of administrative staff. The laboratory organizes an annual imaging workshop with attendees from all over the world What is special about our program? > First in Europe, focusing on preclinical molecular imaging and imaging technology, a field in biomedical research with great future prospects > Unique program options for the students Up to two conferences (1 international, 1 national) per year Networkt with other scientists Gain new ideas Present the own work Two off-site workshops per year for focused research discussions and as a team building event to foster interactions between group members Invite individual experts Interdisciplinary education Own research budget which is managed by the PhD candidate Option for a research stay in the USA Practical orientated training and laboratory-focused education combined with theory, through seminars, conferences and workshops Innovative field of biomedical research Close contacts to large international pharmaceutical and bioengineering companies A strong focus on the development of soft skills How to write a paper How to apply for a grant How to give a talk Group interaction

14 Further Information for Applicants onn the PhD program Scientific Fields of the Program Program partners Coordinator The University of Tübingen plans to offer the interdisciplinary preclinical molecular imaging PhD training program in the fields of: > biochemistry > cardiology > chemistry > imaging technology/physics > immunology > neurology > oncology > pharmacy > radiochemistry > tissue engineering > transgenic animals > toxicology > microbiology > infectious diseases > pharmacology The laboratory currently cooperates with the following institutions listed in Table 3. Students can pick one of these departments to gain first experience in laboratory work and seek insight in their chosen major subject. Table 3: Program partners Scientific field Name Department Organisation Clinical microbiology, environmental and hospital hygiene, Infectious diseases Medical physics, biomedical physics, experimental radiation oncology Radiation biology Signal transduction and transgenic disease models Prof. Autenrieth Prof. Bamberg Prof. Rodemann Medical Microbiology and Hygiene Radiation Oncology Tübingen University Tübingen University Prof. Feil Biochemistry Tübingen University Neurodegeneration Prof. Gasser Neurology Tübingen University Cardiology and cardiovascular diseases Hematology, oncology, Iimmunology, rheumatology and pneumology proteomics, functional genomics, mouse genetics Prof. Gawaz Internal Medicine III Tübingen University Prof. Kanz Internal Medicine II Tübingen University Prof. Nordheim Molecular Biology Tübingen University Scientific field Name Department Organisation Immunobiology (MHC functions) Human genetics, genetic mediated neurodegenerative diseases Oncology and autoimmune disorders, immunology Theory and applications of statistical learning theory Clinical anatomy and tissue engineering Prof. Rammensee Immunology Tübingen University Prof. Rieß Medical Genetics Tübingen University Prof. Röcken Dermatology Tübingen University Prof. Schölkopf Empirical Inference Max Planck Institute, Tübingen Prof. Skutella Anatomy Tübingen University Cardiomyopathy Prof. Kandolf Pathology Tübingen University Diabetis Prof. Häring Internal Medicine Tübingen University Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Bernd Pichler Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Department of Radiology Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen Röntgenweg Tübingen Germany Phone: Fax: Administration Uta Paulsen, Dipl.-Biol. Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Department of Radiology Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen Röntgenweg Tübingen Germany Phone: Fax:

15 PhD Program Application Process PhD Program Application Process Selection procedure How to apply? Prerequisites To be accepted as a graduate student at the research training group Preclinical Molecular Imaging at the Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen, applicants must hold, or anticipate receiving a university degree equivalent to a master of science that would formally allow them to enter a PhD or equivalent program in their home country, prior to enrollment. Graduate university students shall fulfill the following conditions: > college score better than 80% or > college score better than 70% and a record of at least one peer-reviewed publication and an oral or poster presentation The objective is to find motivated students for scientific research through specific selection interviews. Students should have a background in at least one of the following fields: > biochemistry > biology > biophysics > chemistry > computer science > medicine > physics The application deadline for the first round is October 1 st, Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews 6 weeks after the application deadline. The final decision whether an applicant is accepted will be made by a committee, consisting of four senior advisors from Table 3. In case less than five candidates were selected in the first round, a second round of recruitment will be carried out to assign the remaining fellowships.the deadline for the second round of recruitement will be May 1 st, Figure 6 shows the time table for the two rounds of recruitment. April - September December - April October 1 st May 1 st October 15 th May 15 th Advertisement (Flyer, online) Deadline Applications Evaluation and compilation of shortlist Please visit our web-page to download the application forms. Bachelors or FH students shall fulfill the following conditions: > College score better than 90% or > college score better than 80% and at least one publication in a peer reviewed journal and one oral or poster presentation October 16 th May 16 th November June March September Invitations for interviews Selection of candidates 30 min interviews with the PhD committee Start of program We have unique program options for the students One focus of the PhD program is on practical laboratory education Figure 6: Time table two rounds of recruitment

16 Location Location Tübingen is a traditional historic university town situated on the river Neckar, 40 km southwest of Stuttgart on the fringes of the Swabian mountains. The city officially first appears in records in 1191, however the local castle has records back to the year The Eberhard Karls University is one of Germany s oldest universities, internationally recognized for medicine, natural sciences and the humanities. It was founded in 1477 by Count Eberhard V. Due to the close proximity to Stuttgart, Tübingen is easily reached by airplane. Stuttgart has a modern international airport with nonstop flights to and from major international destinations. You can reach Tübingen from the airport in about 20 min by car. Public transport by bus or train is also available. Scientific environment Besides the university with its 14 faculties, Tübingen also has 17 hospitals affiliated with the University s Faculty of Medicine. In terms of third-party funds acquired, the number of Collaborative Research Centres, Graduate Programmes, Research Groups, plus its involvement in national and international collaborations, the Faculty of Medicine in Tübingen is rated one of the top-ten German Faculties of Medicine in all accepted ranking lists. The main research focus at the faculty of medicine is currently in following areas: > Imaging and medical technology > Infection biology > Oncology and immunology > Neuroscience > Vascular medicine and diabetes Tübingen offers an unique scientific environment, hosting institutions like the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research ( HIH ), which was established with promotional funds from the charitable Hertie Foundation in Tübingen. As a result of its close integration with the Department of Neurology and hence with the Centre for Neurology it enables optimal co-ordination between basic research and medical applications. Another institution is the Center for Interdisciplinary Clinical Research, dealing with Cell Biology in Diagnosis and Therapy of Organ System Diseases. Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research Additionally, several close collaborations exist between the University and the Max Planck Institutes which are also located in Tübingen: > Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics > Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology > Friedrich Miescher Laboratory Since October 2007, six faculties, the Max Planck Institute of Biological Cybernetics, the Collaborative Research Centre 550, the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, the Graduate School of Neural and Behavioural Sciences, and numerous internal and external partners have participated in the Excellence Cluster Interdisciplinary Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN). It is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG (German Research Foundation), being one of the 20 Excellence Clusters within Germany. The Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation is also a member of the CIN and is involved in the SFB 773 (Collaborative Research Center) Understanding and Overcoming Therapy Resistance of Solid Tumors with a central project. Furthermore, it participates in large national research associations funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research like FORSYS Cooperation, Competence Network Dementias Neurodegeneration and MoBiMed Molecular Imaging in Medicine. Links Homepage Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging Homepage Clinical Center Homepage University Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen Homepage Max Planck Institutes, Tübingen Quelle: Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Kybernetik

17 Location Cultural environment Würzburg/ Heilbronn Tübingen Tübingen is a small town with inhabitants and students, making Tübingen the city with the youngest average population in Germany. Life in the city is dominated by its many students, it combines the flair of a lovingly restored medieval center of town with the colorful bustle and typical atmosphere of a young and cosmopolitan students town. The cultural program comprises events, museums and collections as well as festivals, concerts, stage plays and readings with poets of international reputation. Official website Tübingen: Neckar front of Tübingen Black Forest Karlsruhe München Tübingen Swabian Alb Marketplace of Tübingen Singen Bodensee Tübingen is situated in the southwest of Germany, on the Neckar river and at the foothills of the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. In the old center of Tübingen, an unique ensemble of historic half timber buildings dating from the late 15 th to the early 16 th century attract many visitors every year. Tübingen also offers a rich array of cultural activities year-round.

18 Location Stuttgart The closest major city to Tübingen is Stuttgart, located 40 km northeast from Tübingen. Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, provides all the shopping possibilities and cultural lifestyle of a large city. It comprises a big range of cultural offerings including several museums, theaters and an opera. Official website Stuttgart: Wuerttemberg State Opera in Stuttgart Swabian mountains (Schwäbische Alb) Situated close to Tübingen are the Swabian mountains, a high plateau with the highest mountain (Lemberg) reaching up to 1015 m. The spectacular landscape and magnificent nature make it attractive for hiking and cycling. Also worth a visit are the numerous castles, churches and monasteries as well as caves and places of discovery of important fossils and historical findings. Official site Tourist Organization: Castle Hohenzollern near Hechingen Black Forest (Schwarzwald) The Black Forest starts about 40 km west from Tübingen. It offers several opportunities for sporting activities such as hiking and cycling as well as great nature and cities that are worth a visit. With mountains up to 1493 m (Feldberg) it is also a popular skiing region in winter. Official Black Forest page: Aerial photo: Guetenbach near Freiburg Further Information and Contact Please visit our website to download a digital version of this brochure and the application forms! Prof. Dr. Bernd Pichler Department of Radiology Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation Roentgenweg Tuebingen Germany [email protected] Phone: Fax: The New Castle in the centre of the city Albtrauf near Moessingen Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH Schwäbische Alb Tourismusverband e.v. Schwarzwald Tourismus Winter landscape near Schluchsee

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