PhD Student (gn) Molecular Biology

PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Biology

Fixed term of three years | Part-time with 65 % | Salary according to salary group 13 TV-L | Centre of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics and Institute of Reproductive Genetics | Job ID: 11698

We are UKM . We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise - ideally with you on board!
The positions are located at the interface of the research groups of Julia Wallmeier, working on cilia in early development, and Corinna Friedrich, working on meiosis and male infertility. The project is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University of Münster, the University Hospital, and the Max Planck Institute Münster, as well as scientists of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development - in both health and disease. To this end, we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi/genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis.
The project focuses on the comprehensive characterisation of the zygotene cilium and its role during human spermatogenesis. The aim is to identify and investigate the functional relevance of novel genetic factors associated with this specialised cilium and their contribution to human male infertility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning, execution and analysis of experimental work
Characterisation of the zygotene cilium
Identification of genetic factors of male infertility related to the zygotene cilium
Functional characterisation of the identified genetic factors in human tissue and Drosophila and/or Zebrafish
Collaborating with scientists from the CRC 1748 and beyond
Publication activities and presentation of results
Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in life sciences (Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, (Bio-) Chemistry or similar)
Strong interest in human genetics, microscopy and imaging analysis, and bioinformatics
Experience with molecular biology techniques (such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, in vitro splice assays, etc.)
High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written); German skills are advantageous

WE OFFER:

An exciting research question at the interface of basic science and patient care
Two closely interconnected, but, at the same, time distinct PhD projects
Competitive, interdisciplinary and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
Structured PhD training programme with a wide range of training and professional development opportunities
Salary according to tariff agreement, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team

For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Julia Wallmeier, julia.wallmeier@ukmuenster.de , 0251 83-57493 and Dr. Corinna Friedrich, corinna.friedrich@ukmuenster.de , 0251 83-53239

Apply now via our career portal until until 11 February 2026.

Please include:
Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
Summary of your Master‘s thesis (max 1 page)
Transcript and scanned copies of your degree certificates
Names and contact details of two references

BENEFITS

Exciting Projects

Professional Development and Training

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Part of Research Innovation

Additional Benefits

Exciting Projects
Professional Development and Training
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Part of Research Innovation
Additional Benefits

(*gn=gender neutral)
The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them.
Questions about how to apply? Click here
Equal opportunities are a part of our Human Resources Policy. UKM supports the compatibility of work and family life and is certified as "Family-friendly Company" since 2010. Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Due to legal requirements working with us is only permitted with complete vaccination against measles.

Universitätsklinikum Münster
Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude D5
48149 Münster
www.ukm.de