PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Biology

Fixed term of 3 years | Part-time with 65 % | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Centre of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics and Institute of Reproductive 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 positions are located at the interface of the research groups of Julia Wallmeier working on cilia in early development and Corinna Friedrich working on meiosis and male infertility. 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 project focuses on the comprehensive characterisation of the zygotene cilium and its role during human spermatogenesis. The aim is to identify and investigate the functional relevance of novel genetic factors associated with this specialised cilium and their contribution to human male infertility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Planning, execution and analysis of experimental work
• Characterisation of the zygotene cilium
• Identification of genetic factors of male infertility related to the zygotene cilium
• Functional characterisation of the identified genetic factors in human tissue and Drosophila and/or Zebrafish
• Collaborating with scientists from the CRC 1748 and beyond
• Publication activities and presentation of results
• Participating in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in life sciences (Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, (Bio-) Chemistry or similar)
• Strong interest in human genetics, microscopy and imaging analysis, and bioinformatics
• Previous experience with molecular biology techniques (such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, in vitro splice assays, etc.)
• 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:

• An exciting research question at the interface of basic science and patient care
• Two closely interconnected but at the same time distinct PhD projects
• Competitive, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
• Structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of training and 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. Julia Wallmeier, julia.wallmeier@ukmuenster.de, 0251 83-57493 and Dr. Corinna Friedrich, corinna.friedrich@ukmuenster.de, 0251 83-53239

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