PhD Student (gn*) Biology, Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
Fixed-term of 3 years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to salary group TV-L E13 | Job ID: 11042
We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.
To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise – ideally with you on board!
THE GROUP:
The Emmy Noether-funded research group of Dr. Dr. med. Alexander Busch investigates the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis ̶ a key system in human reproductive development and fertility. The group combines clinical cohorts, population-scale genetics, and molecular biology to understand how early life periods, such as mini-puberty and puberty, shape reproductive capacity.
The position is embedded in the IMF-funded project “ANDROGEN”, which aims to functionally validate newly identified genetic variants that regulate quantitative spermatogenesis. This integrative project combines GWAS, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, protein validation, and regulatory reporter assays.
Learn more about the group here.
Your Tasks
- Investigate how genetic variants affect male reproductive function
- Perform single-nucleus and bulk RNA sequencing of testicular tissue
- Validate gene expression at the protein level via IHC and Western blotting
- Analyze large-scale transcriptomic data (R, Python)
- Test allele-specific regulatory activity using luciferase reporter assays
- Integrate omics data to identify functional variants affecting spermatogenesis
What we expect:
- A full 3-year PhD position within a highly motivated Emmy Noether group
- A central role in a cutting-edge multi-omics project with direct translational relevance
- Individual mentoring, conference participation, and career development support
- A collaborative, international, and family-friendly work environment
What we offer:
- Career development in a multidisciplinary and committed research team, mentorship, room for your ideas, problem solving, and teamwork will be strongly promoted
- Work-life balance – Münster is one of the cities with the best quality of life
- Modern infrastructure, international and collaborative research environment
For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Dr. med. Alexander S. Busch, alexandersiegfried.busch@ukmuenster.de
Apply now via our career portal until 27.08.2025 including:
- A motivation letter describing your interest in reproductive biology and genomics
- A brief summary of your laboratory and/or analytical experience
- A description of your career path
- Names and contact details of 1–2 referees willing to provide a letter of reference
BENEFITS
Exciting Projects
Professional Development and Training
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Part of Research Innovation
- Exciting Projects
- Professional Development and Training
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Part of Research Innovation
- Additional Benefits
(*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.
