PhD Student (m/f/d) - Life Sciences, Biology, Immunology

Full-time and part-time | temporary (36 months)

The ZAUM (Center for Allergy and Environment) is a scientific research institute for Molecular Allergology of the Technical University of Munich, the Klinikum Rechts der Isar and the Helmholtz Zentrum München. Within the framework of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), we explore immune mechanisms in allergy and other environmental diseases and develop innovative interventions for disease prevention or treatment.

As part of the DFG-funded Research Training Group RTG 2668 “Immune Master Switches in Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases-, the research group "Respiratory Immunology" of Prof. Dr. Carsten Schmidt-Weber and PD Dr. Constanze Jakwerth is looking for a highly motivated PhD Student.

Project focus

The project investigates innate immune mechanisms that drive tolerance induction during allergen‑specific immunotherapy (AIT), both at the systemic immune level and the mucosal airway barrier. Using cutting‑edge technologies (e.g. high‑dimensional flow cytometry, transcriptomics, proteomics), the project aims to identify and functionally characterize human T cell subtypes, molecular signaling pathways, and novel tolerogenic adjuvants.

• Cell culture, including the establishment of human 3D and tissue models
• Molecular and epigenetic analyses
• Analysis of immune mediators at RNA and protein levels
• Immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy, and image analysis
• Single‑cell analyses (high‑dimensional flow cytometry, single‑cell sequencing)
• Independent planning, execution, and analysis of experiments

Your profile

• University degree (Master’s) in Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, or Molecular Biotechnology
• Practical experience in molecular biology, immunology, or cell biology
• Enthusiasm for translational immunology and tolerance mechanisms in allergic and inflammatory diseases

We offer you

• Funded 3‑year PhD position within the DFG‑funded RTG 2668 graduate program
• Structured PhD training with scientific curriculum, soft‑skill courses, and networking events
• International and interdisciplinary research environment with collaboration opportunities within the RTG
• State‑of‑the‑art lab infrastructure, including high‑throughput flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
• Workplace in Munich‑Schwabing with excellent public transport access and discounts for MVV, MVG, Deutsche Bahn, Meridian, and BOB job tickets
• Support for professional development through our graduate school
• Close supervision and mentoring by experienced researchers

We look forward to receiving your application!

If the candidates‑ suitability for the position in question is equal, severely disabled applicants shall be given preference. Interview‑related costs can, unfortunately, not be reimbursed.