PhD Scholarship: Protective and Pathogenic Antibody Responses, University of Lübeck and Kiel University, Germany

Summary

The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 3095, titled “Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organs,” is offering a PhD position at the University of Lübeck. This collaborative doctoral programme, jointly organized by the University of Lübeck and Kiel University, focuses on understanding how B cell responses contribute to immunoprotection or immunopathogenesis at immunological barrier sites like the skin, intestine, and lungs. The successful candidate will join subproject P10, investigating diet-dependent metabolic and genomic states of B cell memory.

PhD Scholarship: Protective and Pathogenic Antibody Responses at Barrier Organs (DFG RTG 3095)

Designation

PhD Student (m/f/d)

Scholarship Details

Research Area

The core research focuses on immunology, specifically B cell responses at immunological barrier organs (skin, intestine, lungs). The PhD project within P10 will investigate:

• How high-fat diet and obesity shape allergic responses.
• Mitochondrial genome variation.
• Gene regulatory and metabolic programs underlying B cell memory formation.
• Acquisition and analysis of single-cell ‘multi-omics’ datasets from preclinical in vivo models.

Location

Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (University of Lübeck, Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research)

Eligibility/Qualification

Prospective candidates should meet the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences or a related discipline.
• Fulfillment of formal requirements for enrolment as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lübeck.
• Excellent command of English.
• Motivation to apply bioinformatics approaches to single-cell genomics datasets (e.g., scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq); experience with R or comparable statistical software is desirable.
• Strong motivation to contribute original ideas to a dynamic, interactive research team.
• Independent, structured, and collaborative working style.
• Advantageous: Experience with mouse models, flow cytometry, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and knowledge of German.

Scholarship Description

The PhD scholarship offers a structured 4-year training program combining cutting-edge research with comprehensive training opportunities. Doctoral researchers will benefit from:

• Participation in the RTG 3095 qualification program, including workshops, courses, and summer schools in state-of-the-art immunology research.
• A highly stimulating research environment with access to advanced technologies such as spectral flow cytometry and single-cell ‘multi-omics’.
• Excellent opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting-edge immunological research.
• A part-time position (25 hours/week) with a salary based on the German E13 TV-L scale.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application by the deadline, quoting reference number 29293. Applications must include:

1. A motivation letter (maximum one page).
2. A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if applicable).
3. Certificates and transcripts of previous university degrees (BSc/MSc, including transcripts of records).
4. At least one letter of recommendation.
5. Names and email addresses of two potential references.

Suitable candidates will be invited for interviews in October 2026.

For further information, please contact Prof. Patrick Maschmeyer at Patrick.Maschmeyer@uni-luebeck.de.

Last Date for Apply

October 14, 2026

Apply Link

Please refer to the original job posting for the application portal. The text mentions a “Jetzt bewerben »” button, which typically leads to the application portal on the UKSH website.