LMU Faculty of Medicine PhD Scholarship 2026

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. Our group is dedicated to the characterization of desmosomal adhesion in the skin and investigation of mechanisms that contribute to loss of intercellular adhesion in the bullous autoimmune disease pemphigus. The hiring SFB/TRR project, led by Franziska Hartig-Vielmuth, member of the steering committee of the SFB/TRR, will work on the project B05 entitled: “Hyper-adhesion and mechanical stress to treat pemphigus”.

In this project, we will investigate how desmosomes mature and how, during that process, their adhesive properties are regulated. In addition, we aim to elucidate the role of mechanical stress on loss of keratinocyte adhesion in pemphigus. For this purpose, we will use a broad range of methods with a focus on biophysical methods (atomic force microscopy, cytostretcher) and imaging (STED microscopy). The main goal is to find common regulators of adhesive properties during maturation and in pemphigus, which can contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in pemphigus.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• You are supposed to fulfil the research of the B05-project within the SFB/TRR 425
• Communication and coordination of the labwork related to the project B05, which has to be integrated in our ongoing labwork of the department as well as into the other projects of the SFB/TRR
• Preparation of the obtained data and their appropriate presentation within the SFB/TRR and at conferences

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 31, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLudwig Maximilians Universitat Munchen (LMU)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• A fully funded position according to DFG/TV-L guidelines
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at the LMU, modern in-house equipment (e.g. confocal and STED microscopy, AFM, STED-AFM, TEM)
• Structured doctoral training within the Graduate School and SFB DEFINE
• A highly collaborative, international research environment
• Close exchange with researchers from Marburg and Würzburg being part of this CRC

The position is limited in duration in accordance to the funding period for 3 years and 9 months. The application for prolongation of the consortium is planned.

We strongly encourage application of females.

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

Start date: 01.04.2026

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, biophysics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Strong interest in mechanistic and translational biomedical research with technical focus on biophysical and imaging methods
• Experience with laboratory methods relevant to the specific project (wet lab, biophysical, imaging)
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, German skills are beneficial but not required

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Submit your application by 31st Jan 2026 in a pdf-file to: [email protected]
• If further information about the position or the scientific work is needed in advance, please contact: Prof. Franziska Hartig-Vielmuth, E-Mail: [email protected], phone: +49 89 2180-7270

For more information, kindly visit LMU scholarship webpage.