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 P05 “Control of human IgG4 B cells in tolerance-induction to aeroallergens”, led by Prof. Guido Heine at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Kiel University, is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on April 1, 2026 . The position is initially limited until March 31, 2030.



What we offer:


• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%), 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 opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting-edge immunological research





Your tasks:


• Conducting a doctoral research project within P05 , focusing on the hypothesis that IgG4 class switching in humans follows a unique program, regulated at a defined step which dissects this from class switching to IgE

• To define the transcription factors required for IgG4 isotype class switch recombination in human B cells, without inducing IgE and to Identify soluble mediators to activate the IgG4 switch region and promote IgG4 plasmablast differentiation

• To monitor allergen-specific B cells and T cells during allergen-specific immunotherapy

• 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

• 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 o