PhD student - Biomedicine (m/f/d)

PhD Student (gn*) Testicular Stem Cells in Organoid Systems

Fixed term of three years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to salary group 13 TV-L | Centre of Medical Genetics | Job ID: 11709

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise - ideally with you on board!

The position is located in the research group of Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt with a focus on testicular stem cells. The project is embedded in the DGF-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University of Münster, the University Hospital and the Max Planck Institute Münster as well as scientists of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation as well as early embryonic development – in both health and disease. To this end we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi/genetics, (bio)informatics and multimodal data analysis.

The Schlatt team specifically investigates organogenesis of seminiferous tubules, in‑vitro and in‑vivo development of male germ cells, the homing of stem cells into testicular stem cell niches and the functioning of the stem cell system to support spermatogenesis.

Responsibilities

• Execute cell and organoid culture systems using primary tissue and cell lines
• Derive primordial‑germ cell‑like cells from pluripotent precursors
• Flow‑cytometry and flow‑cytometric cell sorting in the in‑house facility
• Perform immunofluorescent staining and tracing of cells in organoids and testis tissue
• Carry out (live)‑digital (video)‑imaging of stem and differentiating germ cells in somatic niches of primary tissue and organoids
• Characterise somatic and germ cells at the single cell level (scRNA‑seq, qRT‑PCR assays)
• Collaborate with Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble's research team at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and other PIs of the CRC°1748
• Participate in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD‑Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in biology or biochemistry
• Strong interest in biomedical research with a focus on reproductive organs
• Experience in animal experimentation and cell/tissue culture or organoid systems
• High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
• Good English communication skills (spoken and written); German skills are advantageous

WE OFFER

• A research environment with the expertise and competitive infrastructure to investigate cellular differentiation, stem cell‑niche interactions and organoid models
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• If desired, a structured PhD training programme with a wide range of professional development opportunities
• Part‑time salary (65% according to salary group 13 TV‑L) including extra annual payment and a company pension plan (VBL)
• A1245 respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse international team

Benefits

• Exciting Projects
• Professional Development and Training
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Part of Research Innovation
• Additional Benefits