PhD Student (gn*) Flagella Dysfunction and Male Infertility

Fixed term of 3 years | Part-time with 65 % | 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.

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 Dr. Johanna Raidt (clinician scientist working in paediatric pulmonology with specific focus in motile ciliopathies, including male and female infertility), and embedded in the DGF-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 research group led by Dr. Johanna Raidt focuses on the identification of known and novel MMAF- and PCD gene variants using large patient cohorts combined with detailed phenotyping of sperm flagella and motile cilia, with a particular emphasis on axonemal inner dynein arms and associated proteins. Multilevel functional analyses are employed to elucidate axonemal defects underlying MMAF- and PCD-related infertility, thereby contributing to improved diagnostic strategies and patient care.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing experimental workflows for the identification and functional validation of MMAF/PCD-associated gene variants, with a focus on axonemal inner dynein arms and tether/tether head complex proteins in sperm flagella and motile cilia
• Implementing advanced molecular and cell biological techniques, including variant screening, RNA expression analyses, immunofluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy
• Collecting and processing patient-derived samples for detailed phenotyping of sperm flagella and motile cilia, ultrastructural analysis, and assessment of flagellar/ciliary motility
• Analysing multi-omics, imaging, and functional datasets using quantitative and bioinformatic approaches to define genotype–phenotype correlations
• Characterisation of axonemal protein composition, ultrastructure, and motility defects of flagellar/ciliary axonemes resulting from disease-associated mutations
• Collaborating with clinical partners, core facilities, and interdisciplinary project partners to integrate genetic, proteomic, and functional data
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology with specialization in Biomedicine
• Strong interest in Human Genetics, Reproductive Medicine and Cilia Biology
• Previous experience with immunofluorescence imaging, specialized 3D cell culture technologies, genetic analyses, functional assessment of sperm motility and patient registries
• 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:

• Hands-on experience in both basic scientific research and translational/clinical studies directly linked to patient care
• Close supervision and mentorship in a national and international interactive research group, embedded in the CRC, with access to well-established collaborative networks and resources
• Opportunities for presenting your work at national and international conferences

• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• Structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of an 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: Dr. Johanna Raidt, Johanna.Raidt@ukmuenster.de, +49 251 83 47093

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