PhD Student (gn*) Testicular Stem Cells in Organoid Systems
Fixed term of three years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to salary group 13 TV-L | Centre of Medical Genetics | Job ID: 11709
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 focus on testicular stem cells. The project is embedded in the DGF-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University of Münster, 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.
The Schlatt team specifically investigates organogenesis of seminiferous tubules, in vitro and in vivo development of male germ cells, the homing of stem cells into testicular stem cell niches, and the functioning of the stem cell system to support spermatogenesis.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Execute cell and organoid culture systems using primary tissue and cell lines
- Derive primordial-germ cell-like cells from pluripotent precursors
- Flow-cytometry and flow-cytometric cell sorting in the inhouse facility
- Perform immunofluorescent staining and tracing of cells in organoids and testis tissue
- Carry out (live)-digital (video-)imaging of stem and differentiating germ cells in somatic niches of primary tissue and organoids
- Characterize somatic and germ cells at the single cell level (scRNA-seq, qRT-PCR assays)
- Collaborate with Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble's research team at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and other PIs of the CRC°1748
- Participate 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
- Experience in animal experimentation and cell/tissue culture or organoid systems
- High motivation for scientific work and willingness to contribute to an interdisciplinary team
- Good 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 salary group 13 TV-L) including extra annual payment and a company pension plan (VBL)
- A1245 respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse international team
BENEFITS
- Exciting Projects
- Professional Development and Training
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Part of Research Innovation
- Additional Benefits
For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt, stefan.schlatt(at)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
(*gn=gender neutral)
The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them.
Questions about how to apply? Click here
Equal opportunities are a part of our Human Resources Policy. UKM supports the compatibility of work and family life and is certified as "Family-friendly Company" since 2010. Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference. Due to legal requirements working with us is only permitted with complete vaccination against measles.
Universitätsklinikum Münster
Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude D5
48149 Münster
www.ukm.de
