About us:

SFB/TRR 425 DEFINE brings together leading scientists in medicine (dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery), molecular biology, immunology, biomedicine, and systems research to investigate fundamental mechanisms underlying development of diseases related to desmosome disorders.

Within the scope of this SFB/TRR several projects of the Department of Vegetative Anatomy of the LMU in Munich were approved. The junior group leader Thomas Schmitt, in cooperation with Thomas Worzfeld (head of the pharmacology department in Marburg), will carry out the Project A02: “Control of desmosome function by B-plexins”.

In this project we will characterize the role of B-plexins for the regulation of desmosomes adhesion and the crosstalk between Plexins and desmosomes.

We are looking for you:

PhD Candidate (m/f/x)

in München

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• You are supposed to work on the central research question of project A02 within the SFB/TRR 425: Focusing on mechanisms involved in desmosome adhesion and the loss of adhesion driven disease pemphigus
• You will cooperate with our partners within the SFB/TRR, mainly with the department of pharmacology in Marburg but also others within the initiative
• You should analyze the data obtained and prepare their appropriate presentation within the SFB/TRR and at scientific conferences as well as for scientific publications

Your qualifications:

• You have acquired a master’s degree (or equivalent) in life sciences (biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular medicine or related fields)
• You are fluent in spoken and written English; German skills are beneficial but not required
• Strong motivation for biomedical and cell biological research
• An open-minded, analytical, and self-directed working style
• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience in informatics/bioinformatics (image analysis, data processing) is a strong plus

Benefits:

• Close supervision and a structured mentoring program
• A supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Close exchange with researchers from institutions involved in the SFB/TRR consortium in Munich, Würzburg, Marburg, Cologne, Lübeck, Aachen, Münster, and Giessen
• You will work in a modern lab provided with excellent technical equipment, e.g. Confocal-, STED-, Atomic-Force-, Electron Microscope
• Salary according to German Public Service Bavaria Guidelines (TV-L)
• Opportunities for funding of conference participation and skill-building courses (if applicable)
• Your workplace is located in the city centre of Munich and easily reachable by public transport
• Compatibility of science and family (flexible working hours, family service of the LMU etc.)
• Additional offers of the LMU: job-ticket in public transport, health- and sports program, discounted tickets for cultural events etc.

The position is limited in duration in accordance with the funding period for three years and nine months. An application for prolongation of the consortium is planned.

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

Contact:

Submit your application (including a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, 3 most recent transcripts of records and, if applicable, additional certificates) by 31st January 2026 in one pdf-file to:  thomas.schmitt@med.uni-muenchen.de

If further information about the position or the scientific work is needed in advance, please contact Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Schmitt, Phone: +49 89 2180-72669

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