PhD Scholarship in Placental Biology at LMU Munich, Germany

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), one of Europe’s leading research universities, is inviting applications for a PhD student position in Placental Biology. This research project, based at the Biomedical Center (BMC) in the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, focuses on how chromatin regulation affects placental development and its subsequent impact on fetal brain health.

Scholarship Overview

Research Area

The project sits at the intersection of Placental Biology, Chromatin Regulation, and Developmental Neuroscience. It investigates how a conserved chromatin regulatory network safeguards early development, specifically looking at how placental disruptions non-cell-autonomously influence fetal brain development using mouse stem cell models and multi-omics approaches.

Scholarship Description

The successful candidate will join an innovative research group at the BMC, located on the Martinsried Campus. The role involves:

• Establishing and maintaining conditional mouse lines and conducting timed matings.
• Molecular and histological characterization of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues.
• Genetic manipulation of murine stem cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9.
• Performing functional assays including flow cytometry, imaging, and expression analyses.
• Preparing samples for genomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics pipelines.
• Collaborating with bioinformatics partners to interpret multi-omics datasets.
• Mentoring Bachelor and Master’s students and contributing to scientific publications.

Eligibility/Qualification

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, or a related natural science discipline.
• Skills: A keen interest in mouse development and molecular biology.
• Animal Work: Willingness to work experimentally with preclinical mouse models is required. FELASA B certification is an asset.
• Cell Culture: Practical experience with cell culture is highly desirable.
• Languages: Very good English language skills are essential.
• Technical: Basic bioinformatics skills (R, Python, or command-line handling) are considered a plus.

Benefits

• Access to a modern, well-equipped laboratory in a high-profile research environment.
• Professional career development services and LMU Gateway support for international students.
• 30 days of vacation and additional pension schemes.
• Compatibility of family and science (on-campus childcare and parent rooms).
• Discounted fitness, cultural offers, and public transport tickets (Jobbike).

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application package through the official LMU application platform. The package should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae: PDF format, maximum two pages, in English.
2. Research Summary: A short description of Master’s research projects (approx. 300 words).
3. Research Interests: A description of general research interests and why you are interested in this specific group (approx. 400 words total).
4. Academic Records: Transcripts and degree certificates for all completed and ongoing degrees.
5. Referees: Contact details for at least two referees, including one direct supervisor.

Apply Link: LMU Job Portal Online Application

Last Date for Apply

The deadline for submission is November 15, 2026.