Junior Research Group Leader (gn*) Reproductive Biology

University Hospital of Muenster (UKM), WWU; Münster; On-site; EUR 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Münster and University Hospital Münster invite applications to lead a Junior Research Group within SFB 1748. The position is fixed-term until 31 December 2029 and full-time (38.5 hours/week) with a salary according to TV-L E13, supported by core funding of at least €120,000 per year.

The successful candidate will conduct independent research on testes, germ cells, fertilisation or early embryonic development, and may incorporate iPS or organoid work.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree completed within the last 6 years or soon to be completed.
• Strong track record in independent research leadership and grant-based work.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent Research Group within the institution.
• Align research with SFB 1748 focus areas and strengthen technical approaches.
• Collaborate with partners and contribute to high-level publication output.

Job description

Fixed-term until 31 December 2029 | Full-time, 38.5 hours/week | Salary according to TV-L E13 | University of Münster, University Hospital Münster

The SFB 1748 brings together basic and clinical researchers from the University of Münster, University Hospital Münster, the Max Planck Institute, and RWTH Aachen University to Unravel the Molecular Mechanisms of Male Infertility. Its goal is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular processes underlying testis formation and function, sperm production and function, fertilisation, and early embryonic development in health and disease. To achieve this, the consortium combines interdisciplinary expertise in molecular, structural, and cell biology, physiology, epi/genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis. Focusing primarily on humans, it leverages Münster’s close integration of medicine, clinical science, and basic research, while complementary studies in mammalian and non-mammalian model organisms provide additional insights. The mission is to translate basic discoveries into clinical practice, enabling earlier diagnosis, more evidence-based reproductive treatments, and improved care for infertile couples.

This position will be embedded into this highly collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will lead their independent Research Group at an Institution of their own choice at the University Münster.

The research shall align with the focus areas of the SFB 1748 (function of the testes, germ cells, and sperm, or fertilisation and early embryonic development) and strengthen technical approaches (e.g. iPS or organoid work) and research networks. For a list of ongoing research please refer to the webpage of the SFB 1748.

The core funding for the SFB 1748 Junior Research Group amounts to at least 120,000 euros per year including own position through the end of 2029. The group will be supplemented from SFB and/or funds of the host institution.

The Research Group leader shall have defended their doctoral thesis no longer than 6 years ago. Times of family leave (incl. parental leave or own long-term illness) will be added to these 6 years.

Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Due to legal requirements working with us is only permitted with complete vaccination against measles.

(*gn=gender neutral)

For inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact [e-mail]