Phd in epithelial mechanobiology

Marburg University, founded in 1527, offers multiple award-winning teaching for around 22,000 students and tackles the important issues of our time with excellent research across a broad spectrum of science.

The Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Worzfeld, is currently accepting applications for a

PhD in Epithelial Mechanobiology

The position is offered for a period of 3 years. The starting date is as soon as possible. The salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%).

The Institute of Pharmacology focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms that control intercellular communication, inflammation and regeneration in epithelial tissues ( The PhD project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 425 “Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers” (DEFINE; The position is available to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the molecular regulation of desmosomes, a type of junctional complex that provides mechanical stability to epithelial tissues. Desmosome dysfunction plays a pivotal role in pemphigus, a severe autoimmune skin disorder. The project will address the role of plexins, a family of transmembrane receptors, in desmosome function in health and disease. The applied techniques will include biochemical methods (e.g. protein crosslinking, affinity purification, mass spectrometry), cellular and molecular biology methods (e.g. cultures of primary keratinocytes, skin organoids), mechanobiology methods, advanced imaging, as well as analyses of preclinical mouse models of pemphigus (e.g. FACS, histology).

Your tasks:

• to actively pursue the DFG-funded project with the aim of characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying the plexin-mediated control of desmosome function and evaluating plexins as potential therapeutic targets in pemphigus
• to contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations

Your qualification:

• M.Sc. degree or equivalent in a Life Sciences subject
• high motivation, team spirit and creativity
• very good written and spoken English skills
• experience in biochemical methods, cellular and molecular biology, mechanobiology, advanced imaging, animal experiments and histology would be advantageous

We offer:

• dynamic scientific environment in an international and motivated team
• campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
• access to international research networks
• dedicated and structured supervision
• comprehensive training and mentoring program
• free use of public transportation in Hessen (“state ticket”)

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office. Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected. The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Applicants with children are welcome – Philipps-University is certified as a family-friendly university. Sharing a full-time position (§ 8 Abs. 2 S. 1 HGlG) as well as a reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as described in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.