Skip to main contentSkip to page footer

PhD Student for super-resolution microscopy-based investigations of the glycocalyx (m/f/d)

Medizin 1
30 hours
Fixed term of 36 months
as of 01.06.2026
Eingruppierung gemäß TV-L
Application deadline 17.04.2026
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Professorship of Nano-optical Imaging
FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg/CITABLE
Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie
University Clinic Erlangen
Associated Group Leader
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Staudtstr. 2
91058 Erlangen
Contact person
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Arbeitsgruppenleiter
Telefon: 09131 7133 115
PhD Student for super-resolution microscopy-based investigations of the glycocalyx (m/f/d)
Published since: 13.03.2026
Job-Id: he_029_LM_CITABLE
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Arbeitsgruppenleiter
Telefon: 09131 7133 115
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Professorship of Nano-optical Imaging
FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg/CITABLE
Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie
University Clinic Erlangen
Associated Group Leader
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Staudtstr. 2
91058 Erlangen
PhD Student for super-resolution microscopy-based investigations of the glycocalyx (m/f/d)
Published since: 13.03.2026
Job-Id: he_029_LM_CITABLE
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Professorship of Nano-optical Imaging
FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg/CITABLE
Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie
University Clinic Erlangen
Associated Group Leader
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Staudtstr. 2
91058 Erlangen
Contact person
Prof. Dr. Leonhard Möckl
Arbeitsgruppenleiter
Telefon: 09131 7133 115

Sounds interesting?
Who we are:

The Möckl research group is located at the University Clinic/CITABLE and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. Our research relies on a highly transdisciplinary approach, utilizing light to investigate and manipulate biological systems. We employ cutting-edge super-resolution methods such as DNA-PAINT, dSTORM, and iSCAT microscopy to unravel spatiotemporal dynamics of biomolecules at the nanometer and microsecond scales, complement our microscopy studies with biophysical investigations of cell mechanics, and develop photoactivatable therapeutic compounds for new strategies in light-based therapy.

Every cell in the human body is surrounded by the glycocalyx, a complex layer consisting of glycans (carbohydrates or sugar chains), either free or attached to proteins and lipids. Over the past years, research by other groups and the Möckl group has brought the glycocalyx into the spotlight of biological and biomedical research, showing its relevance in a range of vital cellular processes. These initial insights motivate a concerted effort to unravel the functional role of the glycocalyx in health and disease.

The Möckl Lab is part of the recently launched EU-wide consortium “GLYCOCALYX” (funded by the ERC), which investigates the self-organization and barrier function of the mammalian glycocalyx (see here for the consortium and all members: https://www.glycocalyx.org/).

Your tasks:

Within this consortium, a
  • PhD position for spatial fingerprinting of nanoscale glycocalyx architecture is available at the Möckl group.
Successful applicants will have the rare opportunity to 
  • learn, apply, and develop an integrated optical and biochemical framework to study the functional role of the glycocalyx at the nanoscale.
In addition, secondments within the consortium will enable the doctoral candidate to
  • visit other labs and expand their expertise both in academic and industrial research environments.

Comments:

  • The project duration is 3 years, starting in 2026 (30 h/week).
  • If you want to become a part of our group, please send your application (letter of motivation, CV, transcript of records, and two letters of reference.
  • As this is Doctoral Network project, please note the specific mobility requirements: “At the time they are hired, Doctoral Candidates must meet the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have lived in, or carried out their main activities (such as work or studies) in the country of their future host organisation for more than 12 months during the 3 years immediately before their start date. Proof of compliance with this rule will be required, as it is essential for eligibility. “
  • A PhD project at the forefront of science, where glycobiology, optics, and immunology intersect. The project is embedded in a European Network of top laboratories, which will provide the successful candidate with ample possibility to network and expand their skillset.

Essential experience/qualifications:

We are looking for creative and motivated PhD students who wish to work in a world-class environment at the intersection of super-resolution microscopy, glycobiology, immunology, and cancer biology. You have successfully completed a Master’s degree in a field relating to biology, biochemistry, or biophysics. We especially encourage applicants with experience in advanced imaging, glycobiology, or biophysics. You are eager to work across disciplines, joining ongoing collaborations and engaging with other scientists from diverse backgrounds ranging from theoretical optics to medicine. You address problems with a fresh mindset and like to work independently and with exceptional commitment as part of a bigger team. You are looking forward to broadening your expertise and developing novel techniques.

The following qualifications will strengthen your application:
• Experience in localization microscopy (dSTORM, DNA-PAINT; setup, alignment, data analysis)
• Glycobiology (glycans in immunology and cancer development)
• Programming (Python) for quantitative image and data analysis as well as simulations
• Cell and molecular biology techniques (cell culture, transfection, immune cell isolation)
• Development and optimization of labeling protocols

We offer:

  • A secure job with all the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement, including supplementary pension benefits through the Federal and State Employees' Pension Fund (VBL), with us as a systemically important employer in the public sector.
  • An interesting position in a motivated and open-minded team.
  • Thorough and qualified onboarding.
  • A comprehensive health promotion program.
  • Intended salary classification, depending on qualifications and personal circumstances, according to the TV-L (Collective Agreement for Public Service Employees in the German States).
  • This is a part-time position.

All benefits at UKER

Working at UKER

We are one of the best hospitals in Germany and one of the largest employers in Middle Franconia. Our success is down to the dedication and daily efforts of our more than 10,000 highly qualified employees in a wide range of different professions. We at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen appreciate that each and every one of our employees are important if we are to continue to provide cutting-edge medicine, conduct excellent research and offer patient care at the highest possible standard.

We look forward to hearing from you if you looking for a job that makes a valuable contribution to society and you are excited about the opportunity to shape cutting-edge medical care with us now and in the future!

Required vaccinations   Our culture

Sounds good? Then you’re likely to fit in well with our team.

apply now

 

Working at the cutting-edge of medicine

Meaningful and essential

Career prospects

Advantages of a collective bargaining agreement


Similar job vacancies in the profession Ärztlicher Dienst und Forschung

Fach- oder Oberarzt Pathologie (m/w/d)

Published:
12.03.2026
Application deadline:
30.04.2026
Department:
Nephropathologie

PhD Position in Medical Molecular Biology / Immuno-Oncology (m/f/d)

Published:
10.03.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Pathologie

Naturwissenschaftliche Promotionsstelle in Medizinischer Molekularbiologie (m/w/d)

Published:
07.03.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Pathologie

Ärztlicher Mitarbeiter – Krebsregistrierung, onkologische Zertifizierung und datengetriebene klinische Forschung (m/w/d)

Published:
05.03.2026
Application deadline:
20.03.2026
Department:
Chirurgie

Facharzt / Weiterbildungsassistent zur Zusatzweiterbildung Kinder- und Jugend-Pneumologie (m/w/d)

Published:
02.03.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Kinderklinik

PhD Position – Shaping the Colorectal Niche (Sander Foundation) - (m/f/d)

Published:
27.02.2026
Application deadline:
27.03.2026
Department:
Medizin 1

Facharzt (m/w/d)

Published:
27.02.2026
Application deadline:
13.03.2026
Department:
Neurologie

Medical Data Scientist (m/f/d) / Medizin- oder Bioinformatiker (m/w/d)

Published:
26.02.2026
Application deadline:
27.03.2026
Department:
Medizin 1

Facharzt für Pathologie (m/w/d)

Published:
23.02.2026
Application deadline:
15.03.2026
Department:
Pathologie

PhD Position – AI-based Multi-Omics in Computational Biomedicine (m/f/d)

Published:
23.02.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Stammzellbiologie

Postdoctoral Researcher – AI-based Multi-Omics in Computational Biomedicine (m/f/d)

Published:
23.02.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Stammzellbiologie

Facharzt Herzchirurgie mit Transplantationskompetenz (m/w/d)

Published:
19.02.2026
Application deadline:
22.03.2026
Department:
Herzchirurgie

Oberarzt für Psychosomatische Medizin (m/w/d)

Published:
04.02.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Psychosomatik

Facharzt für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin zur Weiterbildung im Schwerpunkt Neuropädiatrie (m/w/d)

Published:
03.02.2026
Application deadline:
30.03.2026
Department:
Kinderklinik

Postdoc position Long-COVID/ auto antibodies (m/f/d)

Published:
29.01.2026
Application deadline:
30.04.2026
Department:
Nephropathologie

Naturwissenschaftlicher Doktorand / PhD position (m/f/d)

Published:
01.01.2026
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Nephropathologie

Oberarzt für Laboratoriumsmedizin (m/w/d)

Published:
15.12.2025
Application deadline:
31.03.2026
Department:
Zentrallabor

Kardiologe mit Zusatzbezeichnung EmaH (m/w/d)

Published:
20.11.2025
Application deadline:
15.03.2026
Department:
Kinderkardiologie
All vacancies at UKER