Three exciting new PhD opportunities in immunological research

Join our team

The department of histology and embryology is one of the leading immunological research labs in the region, with a young and motivated team. We are excited to announce that we have three new PhD positions opening, two under mentorship of Assis.Prof. Marko Šestan within his new ERC project and one under supervision of Prof. Felix Wensveen, one of the leading immunologists in Croatia. If you are interested in immunology and want to be part of groundbreaking research, now is your chance.

The projects in the Šestan lab

Application deadline is 26.12.2025 and can be done HERE

This pioneering project investigates how the brain and immune system communicate, focusing on the role of learning and behavioral conditioning in shaping immune responses. By examining how experiences and environmental cues influence immunity, we aim to redefine the immune system not only as a reactive mechanism but as an adaptive, trainable partner in health and disease.

Successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of:

• Neuroimmunology – uncovering mechanisms of brain–immune dialogue

• Behavioral science – studying conditioning and learned responses

• Advanced imaging – applying cutting-edge microscopy and molecular tools

What We Offer

• A 5-year, fully funded PhD position under the prestigious ERC Starting Grant

• Access to state-of-the-art imaging and molecular technologies

• A vibrant, international research environment with strong mentorship and career development opportunities

• Collaboration across neuroscience, immunology, and behavioral sciences

We are seeking highly motivated applicants who demonstrate:

• Strong interest in experimental and interdisciplinary research

• Background in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, immunology, or related fields

• Prior laboratory experience; familiarity with animal models is advantageous

• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English

This AI generated PhD student could be you!

The project in the Wensveen lab

Application deadline is 26.12.2025 and can be done HERE

Metabolic syndrome is the pandemic of modern time, with hundreds of millions of people suffering from diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, Metabolic-dysfunction associated fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia. New drugs have become available that do not only improve metabolic parameters, but also reduce the risk of hart failure and stroke and reduce body weight. But much of how they mediate their beneficial effects is unknown.

Metabolic disease is associated with a low grade systemic inflammation, also referred to as Meta-Inflammation. In recent years, our team has generated some of the highest impact publications in Croatia exploring the interaction between the immune system and metabolism. Our clinical data indicates that a key mechanism of action of these drugs is reducing meta-inflammation, but how this works is largely unknown. In this project, you will investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome on meta-inflammation. You will explore how new anti-diabetic and weight-loss drugs impact meta-inflammation and how this impacts the clinical well-being of people. You will do this both by exploring in vitro models, in vivo models and primary material from patients. You will work together with fundamental biologists, scientists working on translational medicine and top-rate clinical scientists. 

What We Offer

• A 5-year, fully funded PhD position

• Access to state-of-the-art imaging and molecular technologies

• Work with in vitro models, in vivo models and primary patient material 

• A vibrant, international research environment with strong mentorship and career development opportunities

• Collaboration across neuroscience, immunology, and behavioral sciences

We are seeking highly motivated applicants who demonstrate:

• Strong interest in experimental and interdisciplinary research

• Background in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, immunology, or related fields

• Prior laboratory experience; familiarity with animal models is advantageous

• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English

Apply now!