PhD Student (gn*) Testicular Stem Cells in Organoid Systems

Fixed term of 3 years | Part-time with 65 % | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Centre of Medical Genetics

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 Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt with a main focus on testicular stem cells. The project is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University, University Hospital, and Max Planck Institute Münster as well as 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 Schlatt team specifically investigates organogenesis of seminiferous tubules, in vitro and in vivo development of male germ cells, homing of stem cells into testicular stem cell niches and functioning of the stem cell system to support spermatogenesis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Executing cell and organoid culture systems using primary tissue and cell lines
• Derivation of primordial-germ cell like cells from pluripotent precursors
• Flow-cytometry and flow-cytometric cell sorting in the inhouse facility
• Immunofluorescent staining and tracing of cells in organoids and testis tissue
• (Live)-digital (video-)imaging of stem and differentiating germ cells in somatic niches of primary tissue and organoids
• Characterizing of somatic and germ cells at the single cell level (scRNA-seq, qRT-PCR assays)
• Collaborating with Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble's research team at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and other PIs of the CRC°1748
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in biology or biochemistry
• Strong interest in biomedical research with a focus on reproductive organs
• Previous experience in animal experimentation and cell/tissue  culture or organoid systems
• 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:

• A research environment with the expertise and competitive infrastructure to investigate cellular differentiation, stem cell-niche interactions and organoid models.
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• If desired, a structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of professional development opportunities
• Part-time salary (65 % according to TV-L E13) including extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse international team

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt, stefan.schlatt@ukmuenster.de, Ph.: +49 251 83-56099

Apply now via our career portal until February 11, 2026.

Please include and collate into one single pdf-file:

• 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