PhD candidate (f/m/x) in B cell Immunology Full-time

PhD Candidate (F/M/X) in B Cell Immunology

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Allergies have become one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses over recent decades. Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergies seem to be directly linked to industrialization and urban lifestyles. The Institute of Allergy Research (IAF) at Helmholtz Munich and the Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) at Technical University of Munich carry out fundamental and translational research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and to identify new preventive strategies and therapeutic targets.

The Molecular Immunology group within the IAF, led by Dr. Lesly Calderon, is seeking a PhD candidate (f/m/x) to join the research team. The group focuses on studying B-cell-mediated immune responses, particularly the processes underlying B lymphocyte activation and their differentiation into effector cells, including antibody-secreting cells and memory B cells. The aim is to uncover new pathways and genes involved in these processes and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their function. In allergies, B lymphocyte responses are characterized by the induction of B cells expressing immunoglobulin E (IgE). One of the group's major interests is identifying new regulators of IgE-secreting plasma cells, which are major drivers of allergic disease and key targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Your Tasks

Contribute to the development of in vivo and in vitro CRISPR/Cas9 screening systems for uncovering new regulators of IgE-mediated B cell responses.

Explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and functions of the novel regulators.

Technically, the projects will require handling mice, employing methods in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and utilizing single-cell analysis technologies.

Plan experiments, analyze experimental data, write scientific publications, and present research findings in seminars and scientific conferences.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge about the scientific literature related to the research topic.

Your Profile

Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related discipline that qualifies the candidate to enroll as a PhD student at the Technical University Munich, School of Medicine and Health.

Practical scientific expertise and strong theoretical background in fields like immunology, genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology or biochemistry.

Interest in doing research using mice as animal models.

Good command of the English language.

High degree of scientific curiosity, creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: “We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

Benefits

Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School

Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates

Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities

Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Lesly Calderon Dominguez, lesly.calderon@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

CV

Cover letter

Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates

Contact details for at least two referees

30.03.2026

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.