Fully Funded PhD in Epithelial Mechanobiology at Marburg University Marburg University in Germany

PhD opportunity in Epithelial Mechanobiology at Marburg University, Germany. This fully funded doctoral position is based in the research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Worzfeld at the Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-Universität Marburg. The project sits within DFG-funded collaborative research on desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers and focuses on how epithelial cells sense and respond to mechanical forces.

The research topic combines cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, mechanobiology, advanced imaging, and analyses of preclinical mouse models. The project aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying plexin-mediated control of desmosome function and to evaluate plexins as potential therapeutic targets in pemphigus and related epithelial disease processes.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in a Life Sciences field. Strong motivation, team spirit, creativity, and very good written and spoken English are required. Prior experience with biochemical assays, cellular and molecular biology, mechanobiology, imaging, animal experiments, or histology is considered an advantage.

Funding: the position is fully funded and offered as a paid public-service contract (TV-H E 13, 65%) for three years. The post also notes no tuition fees at German public universities, public health insurance, and free public transportation in Hessen via the state ticket.

Application window: the closing date is 19 July 2026. The post encourages applicants to review recent lab papers, tailor their CV to relevant techniques, and send a short introductory email to the supervisor before applying through the official Nature Careers portal.

Research keywords: epithelial mechanobiology, desmosomes, plexins, keratinocytes, skin organoids, pemphigus, tissue repair, cancer-related epithelial biology, advanced microscopy, and translational life sciences.