PhD Student (m/f/d)

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 the life sciences.

Their study programmes have consistently achieved top positions 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 P10 “Diet-dependent metabolic, regulatory and mitochondrial genomic states of B cell memory”, led by Prof.

Patrick Maschmeyer at the Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF) https://isef-luebeck.de/en/meet-the-lab/maschmeyer-lab-6, University of Lübeck, is seeking a PhD Candidate to start on November 1, 2026.

The position is initially limited until July 31, 2030.