PhD Student (m/f/d)

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 the life sciences. Their study programmes have consistently achieved top positions 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 approaches, 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 subproject P10 “Diet-dependent metabolic, regulatory and mitochondrial genomic states of B cell memory”, led by Prof. Patrick Maschmeyer at the Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF) https://isef-luebeck.de/en/meet-the-lab/maschmeyer-lab-6 , University of Lübeck, is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on November 1, 2026. The position is initially limited until July 31, 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 currently 25 hours/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 spectral flow cytometry and single-cell ‘multi-omics’
• Excellent opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting-edge immunological research

Your tasks:

• Conducting a doctoral research project within P10, focusing on how high-fat diet and obesity shape allergic responses, mitochondrial genome variation, and the gene regulatory and metabolic programs underlying B cell memory formation
• Acquisition and analysis of single-cell ‘multi-omics’ datasets derived from preclinical in vivo models
• 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
• Excellent command of English
• Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry, and molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as knowledge of German, are advantageous
• Motivation to apply bioinformatics approaches to the analysis of single-cell genomics datasets (e.g., scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq); experience with R or comparable statistical software is desirable
• Strong motivation to contribute your own ideas to a dynamic, interactive research team and an independent, structured, and collaborative working style

We look forward to receiving your application by October 14, 2026, quoting reference number 29293.

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.

Among the written applications, suitable candidates will be invited for interviews in October 2026.

For further information, please contact: Prof. Patrick Maschmeyer, ISEF Lübeck – Maschmeyer Lab, Email: [email protected]