About us:

LMU Munich is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Scientists from all over the world encounter excellent conditions for their work - in their own research field and in interdisciplinary networks alike.
The Institute for Immunology is part of the Biomedical Center (BMC) of the LMU Faculty of Medicine. Research in the Krug lab is dedicated to elucidating developmental and functional diversity of dendritic cell (DC) subpopulations in the context of viral infection and vaccination.
The BMC is located on the Martinsried Campus of the LMU and offers an ideal research infrastructure with close proximity to the LMU University Hospital, the Faculties of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Biology, and several other research institutions. Off campus, Munich is one of the friendliest and liveliest cities in the world and offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities all year round.

Project description

The YF vaccine is the most successful live-attenuated vaccine available and provides long-lasting immune protection after a single dose, however the exact mechanisms governing its immunogenicity and efficacy remain to be fully elucidated. This PhD position is focused on investigating the spatial and temporal coordination of the early immune response to the live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine at the injection site in human skin using a multiomics approach including transcriptomics and targeted proteomics. A specific focus will be placed on cell-cell communication and antigen delivery to dendritic cells for initiating adaptive immunity as determinants of vaccine effectiveness involving primary cell culture experiments with dendritic cells. The project is integrated into the EU-funded Consortium Yellow4FLAVI "Deconstructing the protective immunity of yellow fever virus 17D to inform flavivirus vaccine design"

We are looking for you:

PhD position Immunology (m/f/x)

in Planegg

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments, analyze transcriptomic/multiomic data
• Keep up to date with project-related literature
• Contribute ideas to develop the research project
• Communicate and collaborate across disciplines and professional groups
• Actively participate in meetings, seminars and conferences
• Contribute to writing research manuscripts and reports

Your qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Medicine or related natural science disciplines
• Scientific background in Immunology
• Practical experience in cellular and molecular biology and immunology techniques (flow cytometry and/or transcriptomics and/or bioimaging) desirable.
• Basic bioinformatics skills (R, Python) desirable; an aptitude to acquire necessary data analysis skills required
• Very good communication in English (spoken and written); basic knowledge of German desirable
• Organizational and team skills, flexibility, curiosity, responsible work ethics
• Passion for research with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Interest in working independently on scientific questions

Benefits:

• An exciting project in an innovative and modern laboratory
• Excellent training and support in a motivated, international team
• Creative working conditions in a high-profile research environment
• Opportunity to obtain a PhD in Medical Research (structured program of the Munich Medical Research School)
• Participation in an international and interdisciplinary research project
• Free parking and good public transportation connections
• Numerous LMU employee benefits, e.g. discounted fitness and cultural offers, job public transport ticket, Jobbike as well as several canteens and cafés on campus
• Salary based on the TV-L scale (E13/65%)

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The promotion of diversity is an important strategic goal at our center. This is reflected in the BMC Code of Conduct, which actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.

Destination Germany

Do you have questions about visa requirements or degree recognition? Are you looking for housing, childcare, or trying to decide on the best health insurance? The "Research in Bavaria" and LMU Gateway website provides help in these practical matters.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Application Process
Please submit your complete application exclusively via our online application tool, including the following documents individually as pdf files:

• Cover letter describing briefly your motivation and qualification
• Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
• Short description of research projects carried out during your studies. Please describe the rationale of the research, and highlight your contributions to the results (approx. 300 words).
• Description of your general research interests and career goals (approx. 200 words).
• What do you find interesting about our research and this PhD position? (approx. 200 words).
• Updated Transcripts
• Contact details for at least two referees, including at least one direct supervisor who has worked with you for at least six months.

AI Policy: AI assistance is welcome for tasks like proofreading, but you must clearly mention where it was used. Primarily AI-generated applications will be automatically discarded without feedback
Applications will be considered if submitted by January 15th, 2026.

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