PhD student in Placental Biology (m/f/x)

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

Institution Faculty of Medicine - Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute of Physiological Chemistry

Remuneration group TV-L E13

Full-time / Part-time Part-time (65%)

Start date Earliest convenience (limited to 3 years)

About us

LMU Munich is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Scientists from all over the world encounter excellent conditions for their work - in their own research field and in interdisciplinary networks alike.

The BMC is located on the Martinsried Campus (one of the best scientific locations in Germany) and offers an ideal research infrastructure with close proximity to the LMU University Hospital, the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE-Munich), Helmholtz Center Munich, the Max Planck Institutes for Biochemistry and Biological Intelligence and the Innovation and Start-up Center Biotechnology (IZB). Off campus, Munich is one of the liveliest cities in the world and offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities all year round.

Our research group explores how alterations in chromatin regulation affect other cellular organelles, why some of these conditions are more common in one sex than the other, and how very different mutations can trigger similar developmental problems. You can find more information on our website .

Project summary

This PhD project investigates how a conserved chromatin regulatory network safeguards early development, with a focus on the extra-embryonic lineage and its communication with the developing embryo. Combining mouse stem cell models, conditional in vivo genetics, and multi-omics approaches, we aim to understand how disruption of this network in the placenta can non-cell-autonomously influence fetal brain development, and to identify the metabolic and epigenomic signals involved.

We are looking for you

PhD student in Placental Biology (m/f/x)

in Planegg

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Establishment, expansion, and maintenance of conditional mouse lines

• Timed matings, embryo staging, and coordinated tissue collection across developmental stages

• Molecular, cellular, and histological characterization of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues

• Culture and genetic manipulation of murine stem cell lines (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, clonal validation)

• Functional and phenotypic assays, including flow cytometry, imaging, and expression analyses

• Preparation of samples for genomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics pipelines

• Integration and interpretation of multi-omics datasets in collaboration with bioinformatics partners

• Mentoring of Bachelor & Master's students in laboratory techniques

• Contribution to scientific publications and presentation of results at group and external meetings

• Participation in teaching activities within the Physiological Chemistry Department

Your qualifications

• A Master's degree (or comparable) in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, medicine, or a related natural science discipline

• A keen interest in mouse development and molecular biology

• Willingness to work experimentally with laboratory animals (preclinical mouse models) is required; FELASA B certification (or equivalent) is an asset but can be acquired on site

• Practical experience with cell culture is desirable

• Very good English language skills are required

• Strong organizational and team skills, flexibility, curiosity, a responsible work ethic, and a genuine passion for research

• Interest in working independently on scientific questions

• Basic bioinformatics skills (e.g. R, Python, or command-line handling of sequencing data) are a plus

Benefits

• An exciting project in an innovative, well-equipped and modern laboratory

• Excellent training and support in a motivated, international team

• Creative working conditions in a high-profile research environment

• A professional career development service within the LMU

• LMU Gateway support in all matters relating to the move to Munich [for international PhD students]

• Participation at conferences and in international research projects

• Many opportunities to help shape our BMC initiatives (e.g. BMC Green Lab, Public Outreach and BMC working group diversity and inclusion)

• Free parking and good public transportation connections

• Compatibility of family and science (e.g. parent room and kindergarten on campus, school holiday and emergency child care)

• Numerous LMU employee benefits, e.g. discounted fitness and cultural offers, job public transport ticket, Jobbike as well as several canteens and excellent cafés on campus

• Annual special payment, 30 days of vacation and additional pension scheme

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The promotion of diversity is an important strategic goal at our center. This is reflected in the BMC Code of Conduct , which actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.

Destination Germany

Do you have questions about visa requirements or degree recognition? Are you looking for housing, childcare, or trying to decide on the best health insurance? The "Research in Bavaria" website provides help in these practical matters.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact

Please submit your application package exclusively via our application platform .

All applications will be considered if submitted by 15.11.2026 .

Application Package

Interested candidates should submit

• Curriculum Vitae (PDF file, max. two pages, written in English).

• Short description of research projects carried out during your Master studies. Please describe the rationale and goals of the research, and highlight your contributions to the results (approx. 300 words).

• Description of your general research interests (approx. 200 words).

• What do you find interesting about our research group and topics? (approx. 200 words).

• Transcript (record of study) and degree certificate for all completed degrees. Please also include any supplementary information provided by the university, if available.

• Temporary/provisional transcripts for any ongoing degree programs.

• Contact details for at least two referees, including at least one direct supervisor who has worked with you for at least six months.

For enquiries or further questions please contact

Prof. Dr Basilicata M Felicia

Department Physiological Chemistry

Biomedical Center Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Where knowledge is everything.

LMU researchers work at the highest level on the great questions affecting people, society, culture, the environment and technology — supported by experts in administration, IT and tech. Become part of LMU Munich!

In the course of your application for an open position at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, you will be required to submit personal information. Please be sure to refer to our LMU Privacy Policy . By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read and understood our data protection guidelines and privacy policy and that you agree to your data being processed in accordance with the selection process.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1

80539 München

www.lmu.de

Imprint

Accessibility