The Fischer-Posovszky lab at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Childrens University Hospital Ulm (Director: Prof. Dr. Miriam Erlacher) is offering a position for a
PhD student (m/f/d) in Immunometabolism
The University Hospital Ulm and its employees stand for a modern and high quality patient care, excellent university research and medical education focused on the future as well as apprenticeships in attractive professional fields. The requirements for this are qualified and committed employees.
Beyond fat storage: uncovering the immune functions of adipocytes.
Your project:
The successful candidate will investigate the immune functions of adipocytes with a particular focus on host-pathogen interactions and adipocyte-immune cell communication. The project combines human adipocyte models with state-of-the-art molecular technologies including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry, advanced single-cell analyses and functional assays to study adipocyte-mediated host defense.
Your profile:
You hold an excellent Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Immunology or a related discipline. You are enthusiastic about experimental research, enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team and have excellent English communication skills. Previous laboratory experience in cell biology, immunology or molecular biology is advantageous.
We offer:
Adipocytes are increasingly recognized as endocrine and immunomodulatory cells. Emerging evidence suggests that adipocytes actively participate in host defense against invading pathogens. We seek to understand whether and how adipocytes sense pathogens, communicate with immune cells and contribute to antimicrobial host defense. By combining cutting-edge cell biology, immunology and single-cell technologies, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms of adipocyte immunity.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center in the research group of Prof. Pamela Fischer-Posovszky. The anticipated start date is November 2026.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center in the research group of Prof. Pamela Fischer-Posovszky. The anticipated start date is November 2026.
Your project:
The successful candidate will investigate the immune functions of adipocytes with a particular focus on host-pathogen interactions and adipocyte-immune cell communication. The project combines human adipocyte models with state-of-the-art molecular technologies including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, flow cytometry, advanced single-cell analyses and functional assays to study adipocyte-mediated host defense.
Your profile:
You hold an excellent Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Immunology or a related discipline. You are enthusiastic about experimental research, enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team and have excellent English communication skills. Previous laboratory experience in cell biology, immunology or molecular biology is advantageous.
We offer:
- Your salary will be based on qualification and experience including benefits according to TV-L E13 for PhD Students of 65%.
- enrollment in the International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm (IGradU)
- an exciting research project in a rapidly emerging field
- state-of-the-art research infrastructure and core facilities
- an international, collaborative and supportive research environment
- opportunities to present your work at international conferences and publish in leading journals
Contract: limited
Level of employment: part-time
application deadline: 21.09.2026
