PhD Student in Testicular Extracellular Matrix and Sertoli Cell Biology
This PhD position is offered at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University Hospital Münster, within Prof. Dr. Johannes Eble’s research group. The project is part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1748 ‘Principles of Reproduction’, which brings together scientists from the University, University Hospital, Max Planck Institute Münster, and RWTH Aachen. The research aims to elucidate the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying testis formation, sperm production, fertilisation, and early embryonic development, both in health and disease.
The Eble group focuses on cell-matrix interactions, specifically investigating how the biochemical and biophysical properties of the basement membrane affect Sertoli cells and their role in supporting spermatogenesis. The successful candidate will develop a gel-based cell culture system for growing and differentiating Sertoli cells, produce recombinant integrin binding-competent laminin fragments, and establish Sertoli cell lines expressing N-cadherin mutants to study cell-cell interactions. Characterization of Sertoli cell differentiation will involve techniques such as flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, and transcriptome analysis. The project also includes analysis of cell biological, protein-chemical, and molecular biological data, including co-culture experiments with other testicular cell types.
Collaboration is a key aspect, with opportunities to work alongside Prof. Dr. Stefan Schlatt’s group at the Center for Reproduction Medicine and Andrology and other principal investigators within CRC 1748. The position is embedded in the Integrated Research Training Group ‘Reproduction.MS PhD-Training Centre in Translational Science’, offering a structured PhD training program with diverse professional development opportunities.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, pharmacy, or chemistry, and have a strong interest in extracellular matrix research, cell culture systems, and testicular cell differentiation. Prior experience in protein chemistry and cell biology is required, along with high motivation and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. Excellent English communication skills are essential, and German language skills are advantageous. Legal requirements mandate complete vaccination against measles for employment.
The position is fixed-term for three years, part-time (65%), with salary according to TV-L E13, extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL). The research environment is competitive, interdisciplinary, and international, with a track record of collaboration and access to advanced equipment for investigating cell-matrix contacts, adhesion, migration, and differentiation.
Applications from women and handicapped candidates are encouraged and will be given preference where qualifications are equivalent. The application deadline is February 11, 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the career portal, submitting a single PDF containing a letter of motivation, summary of Master’s thesis, transcripts and degree certificates, and two letters of recommendation or contact details of two references. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Johannes A. Eble at [email protected].
