The Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg ranks among Germany's top research universities with outstanding expertise in the life sciences. At the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, cutting-edge research explores infection biology and microbiology through innovative 3D cell culture models and advanced imaging techniques that reveal host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.
JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITÄT WÜRZBURG, GERMANY
Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology
PhD Student position (f/m/d)
"Deciphering the Role of Respiratory Mucus in Neisseria meningitidis - Host Interactions"
Applications are invited for a PhD student position in the research group of Prof. Dr. Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir at the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg. We are a dynamic team fostering an inclusive work environment and addressing fundamental questions regarding Neisseria meningitidis interactions with the respiratory mucus layer.
The respiratory mucus layer represents a key first barrier against inhaled pathogens and critically influences their infectivity and transmission. Neisseria meningitidis is a frequent asymptomatic colonizer of the human nasopharynx that must traverse this barrier to transition from a commensal organism to an invasive pathogen. While epithelial interactions are well studied, the mechanisms enabling meningococci to penetrate the mucus layer remain poorly understood.
This PhD project aims to elucidate how N. meningitidis overcomes the nasopharyngeal mucus barrier. Using an established Calu-3 air-liquid interface (ALI) model that produces a physiologically relevant 10-12 µm thick mucus layer, we will investigate the role of temperature-regulated bacterial virulence factors in mucus transmigration. In addition, mucins will be isolated and purified for downstream analyses, and the global bacterial transcriptional response will be characterized by RNA sequencing.
This interdisciplinary project combines cell biology, microbiology, and transcriptomics and offers excellent training in mucosal infection biology.
The respiratory mucus layer represents a key first barrier against inhaled pathogens and critically influences their infectivity and transmission. Neisseria meningitidis is a frequent asymptomatic colonizer of the human nasopharynx that must traverse this barrier to transition from a commensal organism to an invasive pathogen. While epithelial interactions are well studied, the mechanisms enabling meningococci to penetrate the mucus layer remain poorly understood.
This PhD project aims to elucidate how N. meningitidis overcomes the nasopharyngeal mucus barrier. Using an established Calu-3 air-liquid interface (ALI) model that produces a physiologically relevant 10-12 µm thick mucus layer, we will investigate the role of temperature-regulated bacterial virulence factors in mucus transmigration. In addition, mucins will be isolated and purified for downstream analyses, and the global bacterial transcriptional response will be characterized by RNA sequencing.
This interdisciplinary project combines cell biology, microbiology, and transcriptomics and offers excellent training in mucosal infection biology.
Activities and responsibilities
The PhD student will work on an interdisciplinary project employing a wide range of technologies including:
- Generation of isogenic mutants and complementation strains for temperatureregulated virulence factors
- Transmigration assays and quantitative imaging (confocal/SIM microscopy) in ALI models
- Extraction/purification of mucus mucins (CsCl density gradient centrifugation)
- RNA-Seq (library preparation, bioinformatics in collaboration with Prof. A. Westermann, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg)
- Biofilm analyses (COMSTAT) and qPCR validation
Qualification profile
- Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Medicine or related fields (good grade)
- Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions and mucus biology
- Experience in cell culture, cloning, microscopy, qPCR or RNA-Seq advantageous
- Strong written and spoken English-language communication skills; team player with independent working style
- Willingness to work with human-pathogenic bacteria (BSL-2 laboratory)
We offer
- Cutting-edge research with state-of-the-art facilities (BSL-2 labs, confocal/SIM microscopes, ultracentrifuges)
- Close supervision and collaborations within the Biocenter network at the University of Wuerzburg (Prof. Westermann, Prof. Sauer)
- Support for conference attendance and transferable skills training
- Flexible working hours and family-friendly policies
- The salary will be based on the pay scale for the public sector in Germany (TV-L E13, 65%, limited to 3 years)
Applying:
Please send your application as a single PDF file (including cover letter, CV with research experience, certificates, and contact information for two academic references) by April 12th , 2026 via email (Subject: "PhD position Schubert-Unkmeir"). Selection will be based on qualification, motivation, independence, and research potential.
The University of Würzburg welcomes applications from women and disabled persons with equal qualifications.
For informal inquiries: Prof. Dr. Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir (email)
The University of Würzburg welcomes applications from women and disabled persons with equal qualifications.
For informal inquiries: Prof. Dr. Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir (email)
We look forward to your application!
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology
Prof. Dr. Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
Josef-Schneider-Str. 2 / D15
97080 Würzburg
Please send copies only. Application documents will be deleted in accordance with DSGVO after completion of the selection process.
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