PhD Student (m/f/d) Molecular immunology and immune profiling

The Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB) is dedicated to understanding the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its research has contributed to elucidating how interactions between environmental factors, such as the microbiome, and host factors, including IBD risk genes, drive chronic intestinal inflammation.

We invite applications for a PhD student position in a DFG-funded research project in molecular immunology and immune profiling. The project focuses on the establishment, optimization, and application of advanced high-throughput single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches, as well as complementary single-cell assays. The position is based at IKMB, which hosts one of the four national DFG-funded sequencing centres in Germany and is embedded in several high-profile research initiatives, including the DFG Excellence Clusters “Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation” (PMI) and ROOTS.

Join our team

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join a DFG-funded research project in molecular immunology and immune profiling as soon as possible. The position is initially fixed-term for three years.

What we offer:

• The position is part-time, corresponding to 65% of a full-time position. Salary will be according to pay grade E13 TV-L, provided the relevant collective bargaining requirements are met.
• Work in a stimulating research environment with strong national and international collaborations.
• Opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary teams and experienced bioinformaticians across research networks.
• The opportunity to further develop your individual scientific profile within an innovative research setting.
• Support for additional qualifications, including transferable skills training and participation in international conferences.

Your tasks:

• Contribute to an interdisciplinary and international research programme in a highly competitive scientific environment.
• Apply and optimise single-cell technologies, such as 10x Genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and complementary single-cell assays.
• Develop and refine robust wet-lab workflows for immune profiling.
• Generate high-quality sequencing libraries and ensure experimental reliability.
• Support the implementation of innovative experimental strategies in translational immunology research.

Your profile:

• Completed academic degree, such as a Master’s or Diploma, in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with immunological assays, experimental laboratory work, and handling complex biological samples.
• Prior experience with single-cell technologies, sequencing library preparation, droplet-based workflows, or spatial transcriptomics would be highly desirable.
• Independent and careful working style, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and willingness to contribute to innovative research.
• Very good written and spoken English skills are required.

Please submit your application until 21.05.2026 indicating the reference number 28607.