PhD candidate (f/m/x) in Immune-Metabolic Research

Ph D candidate (f/m/x) in Immune-Metabolic Research

Full time, 39 hrs./week. Munich.

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation.

Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real‑life applications, improving lives.

At the Institute for Metabolism and Immunology (IMI), our goal is to understand how the immune system interacts with metabolism in health and disease and how this knowledge can be used for precise prevention and therapy.

We focus on regulatory T cells (Tregs) as key mediators of immune‑metabolic crosstalk, with a primary interest in autoimmune type 1 diabetes as a model disease, while also addressing type 2 diabetes and obesity.

We aim to uncover how Treg specialization and dysfunction drive metabolic disorders and to translate these insights into precise, context‑specific immunotherapies.

Ultimately, we strive to develop strategies that modulate immune responses while supporting tissue function, regeneration, and metabolic health.

We are now seeking a passionate and highly motivated

Ph D candidate (f/m/x) in full time (39 hrs./week) eager to dive into the fascinating interface of immunology and metabolism — with a strong focus on regulatory T cells and their pivotal role in type 1 diabetes, as well as broader metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

• Your tasks
• Investigate tissue‑specific mechanisms of Treg adaptation and dysfunction in metabolic disease, including immune‑metabolic crosstalk in peripheral tissues.
• Drive in vivo research in genetically engineered mouse models to decode Treg biology in metabolically active tissues (pancreas, muscle, adipose tissue).
• Orchestrate immune profiling of T cells — with a sharp focus on Tregs — using multicolor FACS to reveal functional states and hidden phenotypes.
• Build cutting‑edge in‑vitro systems to uncover how Tregs adapt, specialise, and break down in metabolic disease.
• Shape experimental strategy, turn data into insight, and communicate discoveries in lab meetings, international conferences, and high‑impact publications.
• Work in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment to develop translational models and pioneering strategies to reprogram immune responses in metabolic disease.

Your profile

• MSc degree in Immunology, Molecular Biosciences or a closely related life science field.
• Strong interest in cellular immunology with deep focus on T cells and Treg biology.
• Hands‑on experience with in vivo mouse models (FELASA certification is a strong plus).
• Practical experience in flow cytometry (FACS), including protocol establishment, optimisation, and troubleshooting for robust and reproducible outcomes.
• Computational and digital research skills, including RNA‑seq data analysis, R‑based statistical analysis and visualization, scientific documentation (Microsoft Office), and general computational proficiency.
• Independent, solution‑oriented thinker with a collaborative mindset — scientifically bold, motivated, and translationally oriented.

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13 50 %.

Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public‑Sector Employees (TVöD).

The position has an (initial) fixed term of 3 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career centre with tailored offers.
• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities.
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays.
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany.
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age.

Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

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