2026 Max Planck Institute Master's Thesis | Macrophage Metabolism

The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of biochemistry, cell and structural biology and biomedical research. With approximately 30 scientific departments and research groups and about 680 employees, the MPIB is one of the largest institutes of the Max Planck Society.

The department of Immunoregulation, led by Prof. Dr. Peter Murray, is recognized as a leader in the field of Metabolism and Immunology. The Murray group seeks to understand how different metabolic pathways regulate cellular homeostasis in health and disease. We work on understanding decision-making in the immune system and how immune cell functionality is driven by metabolic programs. We are seeking a talented and motivated Master’s student (m/f/d) to work on a project investigating metabolite production and signaling during monocyte to macrophage differentiation and recruitment.

What you will do

• Learn and perform immunology techniques (differentiation of monocytes to macrophages, flow cytometry, FACS sorting).
• Learn and perform molecular biological techniques (targeted metabolomic analysis, qPCR, western blot).
• Based on how the project will develop, there might be a possibility to perform untargeted metabolomic and RNAseq experiments.
• Data analysis and presentation preparation.
• Join a dynamic and highly productive research group composed of 10 scientists.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 7, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorMax Planck Society for the Advancement of Science
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Requirements

• Enrolled in a relevant Master’s Program (Immunology, Human Biology, Molecular or Cell Biology, Biochemistry).
• Highly motivated, a good team player.
• Experience in cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in primary cell culture and flow cytometry is favoured.

The initial appointment will be for 6 months with a possible extension, starting at the latest in September 2026.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please submit your application documents (PDF files) via the online application website.

If you have questions about the position, please reach out to Dr. Patricia Ogger at [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit Max Planck Institute webpage.