Open Positions
About us:
Have you ever wondered how time itself shapes biology? Nearly every cell in the body contains a circadian clock — an intrinsic 24-hour timing system that coordinates gene expression, metabolism and cellular communication. Yet we still understand surprisingly little about how these clocks influence disease.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Intriguingly, both clinical and experimental studies show that the time of day at which a stroke occurs can significantly influence its severity and outcome. Why does this happen? And could understanding the brain’s cells internal timing system open entirely new therapeutic possibilities?
If you would like to contribute to answering these questions, we invite you to join our team (Maria Robles, Systems Chronobiology) in a collaborative project with the group of Steffen Tiedt (Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research) within the newly established DFG Collaborative Research Center on neurovascular diseases (CRC 1744).
You will investigate how circadian clocks in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and neurons interact to shape stroke progression — and whether disrupting (such as interfering with sleep) or restoring circadian balance leads to detrimental or improved outcomes, respectively.
This PhD project offers the opportunity to work at the interface of systems chronobiology, neurovascular biology, and translational medicine. You will use cutting-edge quantitative proteomics and integrate multi-omics data with advanced imaging, as well as mouse models, to uncover fundamental principles of how biological timing regulates brain injury.
PhD Position in Systems Chronobiology and Neurovascular Research (m/f/x)
in Planegg
Your tasks and responsibilities:
- Perform quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses (LC-MS/MS) of brain and vascular cell populations.
- Integrate multi-omics datasets (proteomics, transcriptomics, spatial data) in collaboration with bioinformatics experts.
- Conduct sleep deprivation and circadian disruption experiments in mouse models.
- Contribute to molecular and biochemical analyses.
- Participate in CRC 1744 activities and the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG).
Your qualifications:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry or a related field.
- Strong interest in circadian and systems biology.
- Experience in proteomics, biochemistry, and molecular biology.
- Proficient or, at least medium, skills in bioinformatics, omics data analysis, and coding.
- Previous experience with mouse models is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Good communication skills in English and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team, with enthusiasm for a collaborative research environment.
- High motivation, independence, and strong analytical skills.
Benefits:
- A fully funded PhD position (65% TV-L E13) for up to three to four years.
- Accessibility to state-of-the-art proteomics and training in multi-omics integration.
- Close supervision in an internationally recognized chronobiology laboratory.
- Access to advanced core facilities and collaborative Biomedical Center and CRC infrastructure.
- Participation in structured doctoral training through CRC 1744 IRTG and in our BMC initiatives (e.g. BMC Green Lab, Public Outreach and diversity and inclusion).
- Opportunities to attend and present at national and international conferences.
- A vibrant and international research environment at the Biomedical Center (BMC) and LMU Munich that actively supports PhD students and early-career researchers.
LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The promotion of diversity is an important strategic goal at BMC. This is reflected in the BMC Code of Conduct, which actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.
People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.
Contact:
Please submit a single PDF including:
- Cover letter describing your motivation and research interests
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details of two referees
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Please apply via our online portal.
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https://job-portal.lmu.de/jobposting/f51ca55226f5234f11ebb21a8b4c393440ef03170?ref=homepage
Open PhD position - Compartmentalized diversity of inflammatory lipid signaling networks in neurovascular disease
This PhD project is offered by the Steffens lab at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), LMU Munich - embedded in a newly established DFG Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on neurovascular diseases. Start: from 1 April, 2026
Project description: Inflammatory lipid mediators and their receptors are key drivers of vascular disease in extracranial arteries, but their contribution to cerebral small vessel disease and intracranial atherosclerosis is poorly defined. The aim of this project will be to comprehensively profile inflammatory signaling networks in neurovascular diseases and identify candidates as potential therapeutic targets. Mouse and cell models will be employed and findings compared with human biobank transcriptomics data. In addition, pre-identified targets will be studied for causality by hypothesis-driven pharmacological blocking approaches and genetic mouse models. We will team up with Jürgen Bernhagen’s lab and other research groups at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia (ISD), in the context of CRC1744, and combine our expertise to investigate inflammatory chemokine and lipid signaling networks in neurovascular diseases.
Your training environment: You will join the structured PhD program, the Munich Medical Research School. In addition, you will join the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) of CRC 1744, which will provide exceptional training opportunities including structured mentoring, advanced technical workshops, interaction with other students, diversity support, and retreats.
Your profile: Candidates should have a Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Science, or a related subject. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, good team players, yet capable of working independently. Candidates should be fluent in English. Experience with experimental animal handling (FELASA certificate), advanced imaging, flow cytometry, cell culture, or omics analysis will be advantageous but not required.
We offer: We will offer a stimulating scientific environment at the Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (ipek-research.com), and our collaborations partners at the ISD, with international and multidisciplinary teams and state-of-art infrastructure for imaging and spatial transcriptomics. We will offer close supervision by the PI and postdocs, as well as opportunities to present your results in national and international conferences. The position is funded by the DFG. The salary will be according to the German model for the public sector (TV-L E13, 65%). The University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer. Handicapped candidates with equal qualifications will be given preference.
Application: Please submit a single PDF containing (1) your complete CV, (2) motivation letter, (3) academic transcripts (BSc and MSc), (4) contact details of 1-2 referees to:
sabine.steffens@med.uni-muenchen.de
(refer to: PhD application neurovascular disease)
PhD Position in Vascular Zonation-specific Mechanisms in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (Munich)
Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), LMU Munich
Start: from 1.4. 2026
Are you excited about neurovascular biology, omics technologies, and cutting-edge microscopy? Do you want to pursue a PhD that combines fundamental mechanistic discovery with strong translational relevance?
If yes, consider joining us in an ambitious new project funded within a newly established DFG Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on neurovascular diseases, starting in 2026.
Project overview: Our goal is to uncover how vascular zonation-specific mechanisms in brain endothelial cells contribute to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and stroke. Building on recent discoveries identifying FOXF2 as a major genetic risk factor for SVD, the project will investigate how endothelial dysfunction unfolds across distinct vascular segments (arterioles, capillaries, venules) and how this affects vascular–glial crosstalk, astrocyte biology, and neurovascular function.
Your work will combine: • Multi-omics approaches (single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics such as MERFISH, cell-type–specific proteomics) • Advanced microscopy (confocal, light-sheet imaging, electron microscopy) • In vivo experimentation in mouse models (including inducible endothelial/pericyte-specific Foxf2 models, BBB assays, MCAO stroke models) • Bioinformatics and data integration in collaboration with experienced computational researchers. You will be part of a highly interdisciplinary team and receive day-to-day supervision from experienced postdoctoral researchers.
Your training environment: As a PhD student , you will join one of Munich’s renowned graduate programs: • Graduate School of Neuroscience (GSN); • International Max Planck Research School for Biological Intelligence (IMPRS-BI); or the • Integrated Research Training Group of CRC 1744. You will be integrated into both the new CRC and the Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy). Both provide exceptional training opportunities including structured mentoring, advanced technical workshops, diversity support, retreats, and travel funding.
Your profile: We are looking for a highly motivated student who: • Holds (or will soon complete) a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Human Biology, Neuroengineering, or a related field • Has experience or strong interest in bioinformatics, transcriptomics/proteomics, imaging, and/or in vivo mouse work • Is passionate about neurovascular biology, cell biology, and disease mechanisms • Enjoys working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment • Communicates well in written and spoken English. Experience with mouse models, omics data analysis, or advanced imaging is an advantage but not required.
We offer: • A stimulating scientific environment within the ISD, SyNergy, and the new CRC 1744 • Integration into multidisciplinary teams with state-of-the-art infrastructure for omics and imaging • Close supervision by the PI and postdoctoral researchers • Opportunities to present at national and international conferences • A strong, supportive community of PhD students and early-career researchers.
Application: Please submit a single PDF containing: 1. Motivation letter (including earliest start date); 2. CV; 3. Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc); 4. Contact details for 1–2 referees; 5. Optional: thesis, publications, code repository, or imaging portfolio.
Contact:
Prof. Martin Dichgans
(Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, LMU Munich);
isd.applications@med.uni-muenchen.de;
Please include “PhD Application – SVD Project A02” in the subject line.
We look forward to your application!
PhD Position in Chronic Neuroinflammation and Microglial Innate Immune Memory
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research group at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), LMU Munich. The project focuses on mechanisms of chronic neuroinflammation after brain injury, with a particular emphasis on microglia biology, long-term epigenetic reprogramming and innate immune memory in microglial cells. Using state-of-the-art approaches including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, functional imaging, epigenetic profiling, mouse models of stroke and neuroinflammation, as well as established collaborations with computational and clinical partners, the project aims to define how microglia retain pathological memory and drive long-term brain dysfunction.
The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology or a related field, and brings enthusiasm for mechanistic in vivo and ex vivo research. Experience with neuroimmunology, mouse work, imaging, or omics technologies is an advantage but not required. We are looking for a curious, ambitious, and collaborative scientist who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary and international team.
We offer a stimulating research environment within the ISD, the SyNergy Cluster and a newly established Collaborative Research Center on Stroke Research, with access to advanced imaging platforms, single-cell and spatial multiomics pipelines, high-performance computing, and close interaction with international experts. The PhD student will be embedded in structured graduate training programs and benefit from excellent supervision, career development support, and opportunities for conference participation and international exchange.
Contact:
Liesz Lab: https://www.isd-research.de/liesz-lab
Kawakami lab is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate
Project overview: The group is investigating the role of T cells, especially focusing on the autoimmune diseases. We use two-photon microscopy to visualize the motility of autoantigen specific T cells throughout the process of T cell infiltration into the CNS in living animals. Recently, we used CRISPR gene editing to identify critical regulators of autoantigen specific T cell infiltration into the CNS. Now we will apply these cutting-edge technologies to investigate how T cells contribute to the lesion formation after ischemic stroke. We will team up with Dr. Corinne Benakis’ team, in the context of CRC1744, and combine our expertise to investigate molecular mechanisms of T cell infiltration and subsequent lesion formation in post-ischemic brain.
Your training environment: You will join the structured PhD program, the Munich Medical Research School. In addition, you will join the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) of CRC 1744, which will provide exceptional training opportunities including structured mentoring, advanced technical workshops, interaction with other students, diversity support, and retreats.
Your profile: Candidates should have (or will have soon) a Master’s degree in Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Science, or a related subject. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, good team players, yet capable of working independently. Candidates should be fluent in English. Experience with basic experience in fluorescence/confocal microscopy, CRISPR-mediated gene modifications, experimental animal handling (FELASA certificate), flow cytometry, or cell culture will be advantageous.
We offer: We will offer a stimulating scientific environment at the Biomedical Center (BMC), LMU with international and multidisciplinary teams and state-of-art infrastructure for imaging. We will offer close supervision with PI as well as opportunities to present your results in national and international conferences. The position is funded by the DFG. The salary will be according to the German model for the public sector (TV-L E13, 65%). The University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer. Handicapped candidates with equal qualifications will be given preference.
Application: Please submit a single PDF containing 1) your complete CV, 2) motivation letter, 3) academic transcripts (BSc and MSc), 4) 1-2 letters of recommendation or contact details of referees to: