PhD Student (gn*) Signal Transduction in Human Sperm

Fixed term of 3 years | Part-time with 65 % | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology

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

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise – ideally with you on board!

The position is located in the research group of Timo Strünker (Molecular Reproductive Physiology) and embedded in the DFG-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.

In this project, we will elucidate the molecular mechanisms that enable sperm to sense their chemical and physical environment, with a particular focus on ion channels and signalling molecules, proteins, and pathways.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyse the composition, physiological function, and pathophysiological relevance of Ca2+-signalling pathways in human sperm
• Perform high time-resolution recordings of signalling events in the sperm flagellum using rapid-mixing techniques and fluorescent probes
• Dissect the interplay of flagellar ion channels during chemosensory signalling with pharmacological tools
• Participate in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, physics, biomedicine, or other life sciences
• Strong interest in cellular signal transduction
• Experience in the use of fluorescent probes to study cellular signalling events
• Knowledge on basic pharmacological principles
• High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
• Commitment to research in a translational setting
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written); German skills are advantageous

WE OFFER:

• State-of-the-art techniques, tools and experimental models for research
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, creative, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• Structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of professional development opportunities
• Salary according to tariff agreement, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team

For inquiries, please contact: Timo Strünker, timo.struenker@ukmuenster.de, T +49 251 83-58238

Apply now via our career portal until 18 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