PhD Student (gn*) Experimental and Computational Life Sciences

Fixed-term of 3 years | Full-time with 100 % | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Department of General Pediatrics

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility - ideally with you on board!

The position is located in the research group of Dr. med. Alexander Busch, PhD and embedded in the DGF-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University of Muenster, the University Hospital, and the Max Planck Institute Münster as well as scientists of the RWTH Aachen. Our central objective is to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms governing the formation and function of the testis, production and function of sperm, fertilisation, as well as early embryonic development – in both health and disease. To this end, we combine interdisciplinary research in molecular, structural, and cell biology as well as in physiology, biophysics, epi /genetics, (bio)informatics, and multimodal data analysis.

The research group focusses on the mechanisms of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HGP) axis regulation that governs human reproduction. The group investigates early activity periods of the HPG axis, i.e. minipuberty and puberty. Combining clinical, large-scale genetic and single-nucleus approaches, the aim is to gain insight into reproductive disorders and fertility potential. The current project will use functional genomics to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying testosterone action.

For further information about the group, visit the webpage

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implementing laboratory and computational workflows for large-scale biological studies
• Collecting experimental and high-throughput data
• Characterisation of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying genetic variation
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Master’s degree in natural sciences, life sciences or similar
• Strong interest in single-cell nucleus RNA-seq techniques / Perturb-Seq / Crop-Seq
• Willingness to learn computational biology/bioinformatics
• High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written); German skills are advantageous

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to tariff agreement, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• Structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Dr. med Alexander S. Busch, alexandersiegfried.busch@ukmuenster.de

Apply now via our career portal by 25 February 2026.

Please include:

• Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
• Summary of your Master‘s thesis (max 1 page)
• Transcript and scanned copies of your degree certificates
• Two letters of recommendation and/or names and contact details of two references