PhD Position (mfd) Project P05 "Protective & pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organ

TheDFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 3095Protective and pathogenic antibody responses at barrier organsis a collaborative doctoral programme jointly organized by theUniversity of LübeckandKiel University two modern and research-intensive universities with strong profiles in medicine molecular biology and life sciences. Their study programmes have consistently achievedtop rankings in the CHE Ranking the most comprehensive evaluation of study programmes at German universities.

Immunological barrier organs such as theskin intestine and lungsare 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 asignificant burden to public health. Antibody-mediated immune responses play acentral rolein maintaining homeostasis at these sites: they contribute to thecontrol of pathogen invasion theregulation of gut microbiota and theinitiation and modulation of allergic reactions while also exerting regulatory functions that candownregulate inflammation.

The overarching goal of RTG 3095 is to elucidate themechanisms by which B cell responses are initiated maintained and contribute to either immunoprotection or immunopathogenesisat these immunological barrier sites. To achieve this the programme employsstate-of-the-art experimental approaches includingsingle-cell sequencingspatial transcriptomics and advanced molecular and immunological techniques. Doctoral researchers will benefit from astructured 4-year training programmethat 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 aeroallergensled byProf. Guido Heineat the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Kiel University is seeking aPhD Candidate to start onApril 1 2026. The position is initially limited untilMarch 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 technologiessuch 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 onthe hypothesis thatIgG4 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 RTGs graduate training activities
• Presentation and discussion of research findings within the research consortium

Your profile:

• A Masters 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 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 until14th December 2025indicating the reference number27557.

Please include the following documents with your application:

• Amotivation letter(maximum one page) which also indicates if you are also interested in other projects within the RTG 3095 (a maximum of 3 projects)
• Acurriculum vitae(including a list of publications if applicable)
• Certificatesand transcripts of your previous university degrees (BSc/MSc including transcripts of records)
• at leastone letter of recommendation
• Names andemail addresses of twopotential 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. Guido Heine ( @) Department of Dermatology and Allergy Kiel University.