PhD Position (mfd) Project P04 "Protective & pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organ

The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 3095 Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs is a collaborative doctoral programme jointly organized 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 downregulate 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 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 P04 “Generation of IgE and IgG antibodies with differential allergenic/anti‑allergenic potential” led by Prof. Matthias Peipp (Kiel University) and Prof. Ralf Ludwig (University of Lübeck) is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on 1 April 2026 . The position is initially limited until 31 March 2030 and is localized at Kiel University (lab of Prof. Peipp).

What we offer

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV‑L scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled.
• Part‑time employment currently 25 hours per 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 tasks

• Conduct a doctoral research project within P04 focusing on the mechanisms by which individual IgE and IgG clones drive or protect from food allergy development.
• Contrast IgE glycosylation in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and non‑AD controls. Generate recombinant complete allergen‑specific antibodies with murine IgE or IgG1 Fc with different affinities and effector properties and study the pathogenic or protective roles of these antibodies in a murine model of AD.
• Active participation in the scientific programme of the RTG's graduate training activities.
• Presentation and discussion of research findings within the research consortium.

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.
• Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry and molecular and cellular biology techniques; knowledge of German is an advantage.
• 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.
• Independent structured and collaborative working style.

Application

Please submit your application until 31 December 2025 , indicating the reference number 27557 .

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page) which also indicates if you are interested in other projects within RTG 3095 (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 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 favored RTG 3095 sub‑projects.

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. Matthias Peipp at Kiel University.