Open Positions

1

Time Span

as soon as possible for 3 years

Application Deadline

31 Dec 2025

Financing

no

Areas of study

Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Biomedicine, Molecular Biology, Zoology

Description

Description of the Project 

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise at the Department of Nephrology – ideally with you on board!

Background: Over 100 million people worldwide suffer from kidney diseases, often starting with severe protein loss in the urine (proteinuria). Podocytes, with their branched foot processes, form the slit diaphragm (SD), a key component of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). Damage to podocytes or the SD drives proteinuria and is central to most glomerular diseases. Using podocyte-specific Crb2 knockout mice and Crb2-GFP cell lines (wildtype and mutants), we identified Crb2 as essential for the SD. 

This project focuses on how Crb2 binding partners (e.g. Pals1, Patj, or FERM proteins like EPB41L5), regulate the SD-GBM crosstalk, modulate the actomyosin cytoskeleton in podocyte’s foot processes, and how a disrupted Patj-Pals1 axis contributes to proteinuric disease. We combine state-of-the-art approaches: genetically modified mice, hiPSC-derived kidney organoids, cell lines (e.g. immortalized podocytes, MDCK cell lines), and molecular techniques, including transcriptomics and proteomics. 

This project is closely associated with the transregional collaborative research initiative PodoSigN (TRR422), which investigates podocyte function and signaling in health and disease. The PodoSigN CRC started in October 2025 and has a own integrated research training group (IRTG) for doctoral candidates.

Your responsibilities

• Work with genetically modified mouse models
• Culture cell lines, iPSCs, and renal organoids
• Analyze transcriptome and proteome data
• Apply high-resolution microscopy techniques

Your profile

• M.Sc. in biosciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, or biomedicine
• Strong molecular and cell biology background
• Independent, structured, goal-oriented, and highly motivated
• Team player with reliability and commitment
• good written and oral communication skills in English 
• Experience with cell cultures, in vivo models, or confocal microscopy is desirable.   

We offer

• Collegial atmosphere in an interdisciplinary team of biologists and clinicians
• Well-equipped laboratory with personal mentoring
• Integration into a structured PhD program at Münster University and the PodoSigN research training group

This is a practical lab position, so applicants with only (bio-)informatics background will not be considered.

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Thomas Weide (weidet@uni-muenster.de; Thomas.Weide@ukmuenster.de) or Dr. Annika Möller-Kerutt (a-moel20@uni-muenster.de; Annika.Moeller-Kerutt@ukmuenster.de) 

Dept. Molecular Nephrology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital Münster, 
Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, A14-A; 48147 Münster, Germany 

Required documents

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Diplomas and certificates
• List of publications
• References

UKM supports the compatibility of work and family life and is therefore certified as a family-friendly employer. Part-time employment is generally possible. In accordance with legal regulations, women and people with disabilities are given preferential consideration if equally qualified. According to the legal requirements of the Measles Protection Act, employment with us is only possible with full measles vaccination.

(*gn = gender-neutral)

Please follow this link and scroll to the end of the site to our official call:
https://www.medizin.uni-muenster.de/en/molneph/teaching-jobs/jobs.html