PhD Position - Project P02 "Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs"

Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein; Lübeck; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is seeking a PhD Candidate for a project focusing on protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs. This part-time position offers excellent training and research opportunities in advanced immunological methods. The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree in life sciences, have strong motivation, and excellent English skills. The position is set to start on April 1, 2026, and applications are due by December 14, 2025.

Leistungen

Salary based on German E13 TV‑L scale

Participation in workshops and summer schools

Stimulating research environment

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree or equivalent is required.
• Strong motivation to contribute ideas in a research team.
• Experience with data analysis using bioinformatics tools is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research in the area of antibody responses.
• Participate in a structured qualification program.
• Utilize advanced immunological techniques including single-cell sequencing.

Kenntnisse

Excellent command of English

Experience with mouse models

Flow cytometry

Molecular and cellular biology techniques

Knowledge of German

Motivation to apply bioinformatics

Experience with R or statistical software

Independent and collaborative working style

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in life sciences or related discipline

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Position - Project P02 "Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs"

Institute for Nutritional Medicine

The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 3095 “Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs” is a collaborative doctoral programme jointly organised by the University of Lübeck and Kiel University – two modern and research-intensive universities with strong profiles in medicine, molecular biology and life sciences. Their study programmes have consistently achieved top rankings in the CHE Ranking, the most comprehensive evaluation of study programmes at German universities.

Immunological barrier organs such as the skin, intestine and lungs are continuously exposed to commensal microorganisms, pathogens and environmental allergens. As a result, infections as well as allergic and autoinflammatory disorders at these mucosal interfaces are frequent and represent a significant burden to public health. Antibody‑mediated immune responses play a central role in maintaining homeostasis at these sites: they contribute to the control of pathogen invasion, the regulation of gut microbiota and the initiation and modulation of allergic reactions, while also exerting regulatory functions that can down‑regulate inflammation.

The overarching goal of RTG 3095 is to elucidate the mechanisms by which B‑cell responses are initiated, maintained and contribute to either immunoprotection or immunopathogenesis at these immunological barrier sites. To achieve this, the programme employs state‑of‑the‑art experimental approaches, including single‑cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and advanced molecular and immunological techniques. Doctoral researchers will benefit from a structured 4‑year training programme that integrates cutting‑edge research with comprehensive training opportunities.

Start in our team

Within this framework, the sub‑project P02 “Development and function of differently glycosylated IgE antibodies” led by Prof. Marc Ehlers at the Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Lübeck, is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on April 1, 2026. The position is initially limited until March 31, 2030.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV‑L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part‑time employment currently 25 hours/week
• Participation in the structured qualification programme of RTG 3095, including workshops, courses and summer schools in state‑of‑the‑art immunology‑related research.
• A highly stimulating research environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art technologies such as single‑cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics.
• Excellent opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting‑edge immunological research.

Your profile:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences or a related discipline, fulfilling the formal requirements for enrolment as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lübeck.
• Excellent command of English.
• Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry and molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as knowledge of German, is advantageous.
• Motivation to apply bioinformatics approaches for the analysis of high‑throughput datasets (e.g. scRNA‑seq); experience with R or comparable statistical software is desirable.
• Strong motivation to contribute your own ideas to a dynamic, interactive research team and an independent, structured and collaborative working style.

Application:

Please submit your application until 14th December 2025, indicating the reference number 27551.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page), which also indicates if you are also interested in other projects within the RTG 3095 (a maximum of 3 projects)
• A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if applicable)
• Certificates and transcripts of your previous university degrees (BSc/MSc, including transcripts of records)
• At least one letter of recommendation
• Names and email addresses of two potential references

Selection process

Application to this sub‑project of RTG 3095 is generally considered to be an application also to the other sub‑projects of RTG 3095. Separate application to another sub‑project is not required, but please indicate in your motivation letter your favoured RTG3095 sub‑projects (see above, motivation letter).

Among the written applications, the most suitable candidates will be invited to a one‑day symposium, which will take place in January 2026 in Lübeck, Germany.

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Marc Ehlers at the Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Lübeck