The University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) combines leading international research with interdisciplinary healthcare. We are the only maximum care provider and largest employer in Schleswig-Holstein. Our approximately 17,000 employees ensure highly individualized care-indispensable for the people of Schleswig-Holstein.

Institute for Nutritional Medicine

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 life sciences. Their study programmes have consistently achieved top rankings 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 P08 “Deciphering underlying mechanisms of the dysregulated B-cell function in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD)”, led by Prof. Stefanie Derer-Petersen at the Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Lübeck, is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on April 1, 2026. The position is initially limited until March 31, 2030. Your tasks:

Conducting a doctoral research project within P08, focusing on the dysregulation of B-cell functions in CD patients.
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 flow cytometry, and molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as knowledge of German, are advantageous
Motivation to apply bioinformatics approaches for the analysis of high-throughput datasets (e.g., scRNA-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
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 single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics
Excellent opportuni...