Doctoral Researcher/PhD position

registration number: fb -wmz-2025

Entry date:

Application deadline:

Salary: E 13 TV-H

Duration: 3 years

Volume of employment: part-time (65%)

The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

The Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Director: Prof. Michael Hertl, is currently accepting applications for a Doctoral Researcher/PhD position.

The third‑party‑funded position is offered for a period of 3 years, with a starting date of 1 April 2026. The position is part‑time (65 % of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV‑H E 13, 65 %).

The mission of the multidisciplinary research consortium of the newly established Transregional Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 425 “Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers” (DEFINE) is to uncover dynamic molecular and cellular mechanisms related to dysfunction of desmosomes. The CRC 425 combines cutting‑edge technologies and translational approaches using patient‑derived samples.

The overall goal of subproject B02 on “Regulation and modulation of T/B cell interactions, and implications of the IL‑17/IL‑23 axis in pemphigus” led by Dr. Christian Möbs is to understand the contribution of the IL‑17/IL‑23 axis in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune model disease of desmosomal dysfunction in the skin. In more detail, the project B02 will focus on type 17 cells, ranging from their interplay with autoreactive B cells to their immunoregulatory role in the restoration of immune tolerance against desmosomal autoantigens.

Responsibilities

• Scientific services in research
• Fulfilment of research and development tasks in the context of this DFG‑funded CRC subproject
• In‑depth phenotypic characterisation of immune cell subsets, especially with regard to the IL‑17/IL‑23 axis
• Functional assessment of T/B cell interaction in co‑culture experiments
• Communication and coordination of the experimental progress within the CRC and with other national and international collaboration partners
• Presentation of scientific findings within the CRC and at international conferences and workshops

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed‑Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG).

Qualifications

• MSc‑degree or equivalent in immunology, (cell) biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• Strong interest in immunology/autoimmunity and translational biomedical research
• Hands‑on experience in cell culture and in the application of standard immunological techniques, e.g., flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, ELISpot
• First experience in multiparametric/high‑dimensional flow cytometry is an advantage
• Highly motivated with the ability to work both independently on experimental and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in English

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

Benefits

• Structured doctoral training within the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) and CRC DEFINE
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities at Marburg University
• A highly collaborative, international research environment
• Close exchange with researchers from Würzburg and Munich being part of this CRC
• Ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany
• Family service, career development (training), college sports centre (sports programmes)

Contact for more information: Dr. Christian Möbs
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We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family‑friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as described in SGB IX (2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs cannot be refunded.

Please apply by 26 January 2026 using the application button below (incl. the following documents: Cover letter explaining your motivation and preferred project/working group; Curriculum vitae; Copies of academic degrees and transcripts; Contact information for 2–3 academic references).