Open PhD-Student position: Microbe-Host interaction. University of Tübingen Full-time

Our group is looking for a detail-oriented PhD student with a background in either biology, microbiology and immunology. We are working in the interdisciplinary field of microbiome-immunity interactions. More specifically, we aim to understand how specific bacteria impact on chronic diseases. For this project we are particularly interested in understanding how pathogenic bacteria evade immune recognition and consequently lead to infectious disease. One of the main challenges in the field is to systematically identify immune evasion mechanisms of pathogens. This project directly aims at tackling this question and will be done in collaboration with the Link laboratory. The core of this work will be to screen bacterial libraires for their immune “visibility”. As this project is conducted together with the Link laboratory a collaborative mind and strong team spirit is crucial for prospective candidates. We look for dedication, scientific creativity and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Lastly high organizational skills are important to communicate the combined efforts with one other PhD students in the Link laboratory. Through this project, we will be in the ideal position to uncover mechanism of action of these disease relevant bacteria. This work will include cell culture work (cell lines and primary cells) as well as mouse models of infectious disease. Our laboratory also offers a wide range of further methods and technologies (organoids, organ-on-chip, diverse sequencing approaches, confocal imaging etc.). Thus, students with an open mind for learning new technologies is particularly encouraged to apply.

Your Profile:

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with:

• a master’s degree, diploma, or an equivalent degree in biology, biomedicine or closely related subjects
• strong background in one or more of these fields/skills: immunology or microbiology. Technical skills: cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, ELISA experience with animal experiments is an advantage
• interest in translational work and molecular mechanisms
• the aspiration to learn multiple cutting-edge techniques
• good oral and written communication skills in English
• excellent team player and social skills

We offer:

• the opportunity to work on a cutting-edge project related to pathogen-immune interactions
• access to cutting edge methods to study fundamental and translational aspects of infectious disease (germfree/gnotobiotic animal facility, organoid cultures, T-cell engineering via CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in vivo imaging, animal models, microbiome-based immune modulation approaches)
• a wide spectrum of genetic, molecular and cell biology, microbiology as well as immunological techniques
• studying clinically relevant aspects of chronic disease through our affiliation with the University Hospital, local research groups and closely collaborating groups
• excellent mentoring and participation in programs, to prepare you for future career steps
• the brand new M3 research center (Malignome, Metabolome und Mikrobiome) including world renowned research groups
• An internationally highly competitive research environment in Tübingen with six excellence clusters
• Beautiful Tübingen and surrounding regions that offer countless ways to enjoy your free time, outstanding quality of life and social security.

The position is funded through the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI) for up to three years. The post is remunerated on the TV-L salary scale (E 13 TV-L, 65%). Qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to submit their applications. Disabled applicants with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure.

We would be delighted to receive your application as one pdf file including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, Master’s degree, a summary of the thesis, expected availability date, list of publications, and two to three references.

Start date:

01.08.2026 or 01.09.2026

Tagged as: Life Sciences