Thomas Worzfeld

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.

PhD opportunity in Epithelial Mechanobiology at Marburg University A fully funded PhD position is available in the research group of Prof. Thomas Worzfeld at the Institute of Pharmacology, Marburg University , Germany. The project sits within the DFG-funded TRR 425 DEFINE collaborative research centre, focused on desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers . The doctoral project investigates the role of desmosomes in epithelial mechanobiology , with a particular emphasis on the molecular regulation of desmosomes and the role of plexins in health and disease. The work is highly interdisciplinary and includes biochemical methods, cellular and molecular biology, mechanobiology, advanced imaging, and analyses of preclinical mouse models of pemphigus. Research topics and techniques mentioned include protein crosslinking, affinity purification, mass spectrometry, primary keratinocyte culture, skin organoids, FACS, histology, and translational studies related to pemphigus , a severe autoimmune skin disorder. This makes the position especially relevant for candidates interested in epithelial biology, cell junctions, tissue mechanics, inflammation, regeneration, and disease mechanisms. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in a Life Sciences subject, very good written and spoken English, and strong motivation, creativity, and team spirit. Prior experience in biochemical methods, molecular/cellular biology, mechanobiology, imaging, animal work, or histology is advantageous. Funding and conditions: the position is fully funded, offered for 3 years, and paid according to TV-H E 13 at 65% in Hesse, Germany. The post also mentions a dynamic international research environment, structured supervision, mentoring, access to research networks, and free public transportation in Hessen. Application: apply through the external website linked in the job posting. The closing date is 19 July 2026 .