PhD Position - Project P08 "Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs"

PhD Position - Project P08 "Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs"

Join to apply for the PhD position at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH).

About the project

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. The programme focuses on immunological barrier organs such as the skin, intestine and lungs, and aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which B‑cell responses are initiated, maintained and contribute to either immunoprotection or immunopathogenesis at these sites.

Doctoral researchers benefit from a structured 4‑year training programme that integrates cutting‑edge research with comprehensive training opportunities, including workshops, courses and summer schools in state‑of‑the‑art immunology research.

Start in our team

Subproject P08 “Deciphering underlying mechanisms of the dysregulated B‑cell function in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD)” is led by Prof. Stefanie Derer‑Petersen at the Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Lübeck. The position starts on 1 April 2026 and is initially limited until 31 March 2030.

What we offer

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV‑L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled.
• Part‑time employment: 25 hours per week.
• Participation in the RTG 3095 structured qualification programme, including workshops, courses and summer schools.
• A highly stimulating research environment with access to 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 P08, focusing on the dysregulation of B‑cell functions in CD patients.
• Active participation in the RTG graduate training activities.
• Presentation and discussion of research findings within the research consortium.

Your profile

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences or a related discipline, fulfilling the formal requirements for enrolment as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lübeck.
• Excellent command of English.
• Experience with flow cytometry, molecular and cellular biology techniques; knowledge of German is advantageous.
• Motivation to apply bioinformatics approaches for high‑throughput dataset analysis (e.g., scRNA‑seq); experience with R or comparable statistical software is desirable.
• Strong motivation to contribute independent ideas to a dynamic, interactive research team and an independent, structured, collaborative working style.

Application

Please submit your application by 14 December 2025 , indicating reference number 27554 . Include the following documents:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page), indicating interest in up to three other RTG 3095 projects.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications if applicable.
• Certificates and transcripts of previous university degrees (BSc/MSc).
• At least one letter of recommendation.
• Names and email addresses of two potential references.

Selection process

Candidates will be invited to a one‑day symposium in January 2026 in Lübeck, Germany.

For further information, please contact Prof. Stefanie Derer‑Petersen, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Lübeck. Email:

Seniority level

• Internship

Employment type

• Part‑time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care

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