PhD (m/f/d) Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology

Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology The Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology invites applications for a doctoral research position (PhD). The position is embedded in the DFG-funded Research Unit (RU) 5930 , a multidisciplinary collaboration focusing on the identification and characterization of antibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and their role in vascular diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. Vascular diseases often cause serious illnesses and have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. To investigate the underlying immunological mechanisms, we are seeking a committed doctoral student (PhD) (m/f/d) to work on subproject 6 of the DFG-funded RU 5930. The aim of the subproject is to investigate the contribution of autoantibodies against the platelet‑activating factor PAR1 to the aggravation and prognosis of vascular diseases. The project encompasses a broad spectrum of methods, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, histological and immunohistological analyses, single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) and BCR/TCR analyses.

Start in our team

Within the RU 5930 the subproject P06 “Role of Protease‑activated receptor (PAR) autoantibodies in aggravation and outcome of vascular diseases” led by Prof. Dr. Gabriela Riemekasten at the Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology is seeking a PhD candidate at the earliest possible date . The funding period is up to four years .

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
• Participation in the academic programme of FOR 5930, including kick‑off meeting, workshops, conferences and courses in state‑of‑the‑art immunology related research
• An ambitious and versatile doctoral project in a highly stimulating national and international research environment
• An interdisciplinary, international research environment with excellent methodological facilities and opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting‑edge clinical immunology research
• Close supervision and integration into a structured DFG research group

Your tasks:

• In vitro experiments, including stimulation of endothelial cells as well as immune cells and characterisation of both cell populations
• Animal experiments applying models of atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension in close collaboration with other subprojects
• Histological and immunohistological analyses, using modern multiplex imaging techniques, in particular the Hyperion XTI imaging system
• Investigation of molecular mechanisms of autoantibody‑induced effects using single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq)
• BCR and TCR analyses in cooperation with other working groups

Your profile:

• Completed university degree in life sciences (Master’s degree or equivalent), including human or veterinary medicine, biology, biochemistry or a related discipline and fulfilling the formal requirements for enrolment as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lübeck
• Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for experimental scientific work and excellent command of English
• Ability to work in a team, reliability and an independent, structured, accurate and collaborative working style
• Critical thinking skills and a high level of motivation to contribute your own ideas to a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team and an independent, structured, and collaborative working style
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques as well as knowledge of German are advantageous

Please submit your application until 08th April 2026 , indicating the reference number 28155 . Please include the following documents with your application:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page)
• 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