PhD (m/f/d) Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology

Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology
UKSH Lübeck and University of Lübeck 

The Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology invites applications for a doctoral research position (PhD). The position is embedded in the DFG-funded Research Unit (RU) 5930, a multidisciplinary collaboration focusing on the identification and characterization of antibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and their role in vascular diseases such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. To identify and characterize underlying immunological mechanisms and in particular to generate monoclonal antibodies based upon high-throughput techniques such as single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology in conjunction with the Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology / Systems Biology at the University of Lübeck is seeking a committed doctoral student (PhD) (m/f/d) to work on subproject P03 of the DFG-funded RU 5930. 

The main aim of the subproject is to generate monoclonal antibodies targeting particularly the human angiotensin II type 1 receptor based upon human samples derived from patients with vascular diseases. The project focuses on wet and dry lab analyses of peripheral blood and tissue-near or tissue-resident memory and plasma B cells and their respective immunoglobulins at the single cell level and aims at the generation of monoclonal GPCR antibodies.

 

Start in our team 
Within the RU 5930 the subproject P03 “Isolation and characterization of human GPCR autoantibodies” led by PD Dr. Anke Fähnrich at the Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, PD Dr. Antje Müller at the Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology and Prof. Dr. Thomas Krey at the Department of Biochemistry is seeking a PhD candidate starting at the earliest possible date. The funding period is up to four years.

 

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
• Participation in the academic programme of FOR 5930, including kick-off meeting, workshops, conferences and courses in state-of-the-art immunology related research
• An ambitious and versatile doctoral project in a highly stimulating national and international research environment
• An interdisciplinary, international research environment with excellent methodological facilities and opportunities for scientific networking and qualification in cutting-edge clinical immunology research
• Close supervision and integration into a structured DFG research group

 

Your tasks:

• Conduct single-cell RNA sequencing of B cells from human peripheral blood and tissue samples, including high-throughput analysis of B cell receptors
• Perform spatial transcriptomics experiments on fresh and fixed tissue samples from vascular diseases, including data analysis
• Contribute to the recombinant expression of B cell receptors/immunoglobulins and subsequent antibody characterization
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team
• Present findings at internal and international scientific meetings

 

Your profile:

• Completed university degree in life sciences (Master’s degree or equivalent), biology, biochemistry or a related discipline and fulfilling the formal requirements for enrolment as a doctoral candidate at the University of Lübeck
• Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for experimental scientific work and excellent command of English
• Ability to work in a team, reliability and an independent, structured, accurate and collaborative working style
• Critical thinking skills and a high level of motivation to contribute your own ideas to a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team and an independent, structured, and collaborative working style
• Experience with  molecular and cellular biology techniques as well as knowledge of German are advantageous

 

Please submit your application until 15.04.2026, indicating the reference number 28154.

 

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A motivation letter (maximum one page)
• 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