PhD Position in Human Lung Aging Model, University of Marburg, Germany

Summary

The Philipps‑Universität Marburg offers a three‑year, part‑time PhD position in the Translational Inflammation Research group of the Institute for Lung Research. The project focuses on developing a human lung‑aging model using primary tissue, precision‑cut lung slices and cell cultures to identify therapeutic targets for age‑related diseases such as COPD and IPF. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biology‑related fields and have hands‑on experience with primary human cells, tissue preparation, PCLS generation, staining, RNA‑seq analysis and extracellular vesicle work. The role provides a salary according to Entgeltgruppe E13 TV‑H, third‑party funding, extensive training opportunities, free public transport and support from the Marburg Research Academy. Application deadline is 1 November 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Marburg
Department	Fachbereich Medizin, Institut für Lungenforschung, Arbeitsgruppe Translationale Entzündungsforschung
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology
Research Area	Translational Inflammation Research
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent)
Experience	Practical experience in primary human cell culture, tissue preparation, PCLS generation, tissue staining, RNA‑seq analysis, EV analysis
Salary	Salary according to Entgeltgruppe E13 TV‑H
Funding	Third‑party funded
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-01
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Mareike Lehmann, +49 6421-28 65713, [email protected]
Employer Address	Biegenstraße 10, 35037, Hesse

About the Project

The PhD project aims to create and characterize a human model of lung aging based on primary lung tissue, precision‑cut lung slices (PCLS) and cell cultures. The model will be used to study age‑related changes in cell communication, senescence and regeneration, and to identify and experimentally test new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for chronic lung diseases such as COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and processing of primary human lung tissue and generation of precision‑cut lung slices (PCLS)
• Build and characterize a human lung aging model using primary cell cultures and ex‑vivo cultured tissue
• Identify and experimentally test potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for age‑associated lung diseases
• Analyze senescence, regeneration and cell communication including secreted mediators and extracellular vesicles (EVs)
• Evaluate RNA‑sequencing data with R and integrate results with molecular and functional analyses

Required Skills

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biomedicine or Biotechnology
• Practical experience in culturing primary human cells and processing primary human tissue
• Experience generating and culturing precision‑cut lung slices (PCLS)
• Experience with tissue staining (IHC or IF)
• Proficiency in R and RNA‑seq data analysis
• Experience analyzing secreted mediators, especially extracellular vesicles (EVs), and molecular biology methods
• Very good English proficiency and independent, careful work style

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, biomedicine or biotechnology who have practical experience in primary human cell culture, tissue processing, precision‑cut lung slice generation, tissue staining, RNA‑seq data analysis and extracellular vesicle research, and who possess very good English skills.

Benefits

• Interesting and broad work scope
• Training and further education opportunities, e.g., participation in the graduate school MBML
• Free public transport ticket for Hessen (Landesticket)
• Support for professional development through Marburg Research Academy, International Office and teaching development office

About the Employer

The Philipps‑Universität Marburg, founded in 1527, provides award‑winning teaching for around 22,000 students and conducts excellent research across a broad range of scientific disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

As soon as possible.

What is the employment type?

Part‑time (65 % of full time) for a fixed term of three years.

What funding is provided?

The position is third‑party funded with a salary according to Entgeltgruppe E13 TV‑H.

What language skills are required?

Very good English proficiency is required.

How to apply?

Submit the application by 01‑11‑2026 via the provided application button.