PhD Student (gn*) Experimental and Computational Life Sciences
Fixed term of 3 years | Full-time with 100% | Salary according to salary group 13 TV-L | Department of General Pediatrics | Job ID: 11760
We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility - ideally with you on board!
The position is located in the research group of Dr. Alexander Busch (M.D.), and embedded in the DGF-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’. The CRC 1748 involves scientists of the University of Muenster, the University Hospital, and the Max Planck Institute Muenster 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 research group focuses on the mechanisms of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HGP) axis regulation that governs human reproduction. The group investigates early activity periods of the HPG axis, i.e. mini-puberty and puberty. Combining clinical, large-scale genetic and single-nucleus approaches, the aim is to gain insight into reproductive disorders and fertility potential. The current project will use functional genomics to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying testosterone action.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Implement laboratory and computational workflows for large-scale biological studies
- Collect experimental and high-throughput data
- Characterise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying genetic variation
- Participate in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in natural sciences, life sciences or similar
- Strong interest in single-cell nucleus RNA-sequencing techniques/ Perturb-Seq/Crop-Seq
- Willingness to learn computational biology/bioinformatics
- 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:
- Salary according to tariff agreement, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
- 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
- Competitive, interdisciplinary and international research environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration
- Structured PhD-training programme with a wide range of and professional development opportunities
- A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
- Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
- Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare
BENEFITS
- Exciting Projects
- Professional Development and Training
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Part of Research Innovation
- Additional Benefits
For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Alexander S. Busch, alexandersiegfried.busch(at)ukmuenster.de
Apply now via the application-button by 25 February 2026.
Please include:
- Letter of motivation (two pages max.)
- Summary of your master’s thesis (max 1 page max.)
- 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
