PhD Position (m/f/d) Project P04 "Protective & pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organ

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 P04 “Generation of IgE and IgG antibodies with differential allergenic/anti-allergenic potential” led by Prof. Matthias Peipp (Kiel University) and Prof. Ralf Ludwig (University of Lübeck) is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on April 1, 2026. The position is initially limited until March 31, 2030. The position is localized at Kiel University (laboratory Prof. Peipp). 

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 P04, focusing on the mechanisms by which individual IgE and IgG clones drive or protect from food allergy development.
• Contrast IgE glycosylation in atopic dermatitits (AD) patients and non-AD controls. Generation of recombinant complete allergen-specific antibodies with murine IgE or IgG1 Fc, with different affinities and effector properties, and to study the pathogenic or protective roles of these antibodies in a murine mouse model of AD.
• 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 mouse models, 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
• Independent, structured, and collaborative working style

Application:

Please submit your application until 14th December 2025, indicating the reference number 27557.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page), which also indicates if you are also interested in other projects within the RTG 3095 (a maximum of 3 projects)
• A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, if applicable)
• Certificates and transcripts of your previous university degrees (BSc/MSc, including transcripts of records)
• at least one letter of recommendation
• Names and email addresses of two potential references

Selection process

Application to this subproject of RTG 3095 is generally considered to be an application also to the other subprojects of RTG 3095. Separate application to another subproject is not required, but please indicate in your motivation letter your favored RTG3095 subprojects (see above, motivation letter).

Among the written applications, the most suitable candidates will be invited to a one-day symposium, which will take place in January 2026 in Lübeck, Germany. 

For further information, please contact: Prof. Matthias Peipp (Matthias.Peipp@uksh.de), Kiel University