PhD position in specializing in nutrition, microbiome and gut-immune-brain axis

At the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Augsburg, we are seeking to strengthen our interdisciplinary research team at the Chair for the Study of Environmental Mechanisms of Action on Health by appointing a [position title] as soon as possible.

PhD student (m/f/d)
specializing in nutrition, microbiome and the gut-immune-brain axis

Half of the regular working hours (50%) in an employment contract initially limited to two years. Remuneration is based on pay grade 13 TV-L, provided the personal and collective bargaining agreement requirements are met.

Our chair is part of the interdisciplinary research focus Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) , which investigates the health effects of environmental and nutritional factors. Our research focuses on the mechanistic investigation of environmentally induced disease risks and the development of preventive approaches. The intestinal barrier and the gut microbiome, and their significance for diseases along the gut-immune-brain axis , are central to this research. The goal of our research is to identify mechanisms that enable preventive and therapeutic interventions through nutrition .

Your tasks

This position offers the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary research environment. You will work on your own scientific research project in the field of nutrition, intestinal barrier, and microbiome, and will be closely supervised by the chair’s team.

• Planning, execution and evaluation of experimental and translational research
• Participation in clinical research projects on the gut-immune-brain axis
• Analysis and interpretation of molecular biological, immunological and multi-omics data
• Participation in the establishment, organization and quality assurance of the chair’s biobank
• Presentation of scientific results at national and international conferences
• Publication of scientific results in international journals
• Participation in student teaching and supervision of students during internships and theses
• Active participation in an interdisciplinary team as well as regular attendance at scientific seminars and laboratory meetings.

Your profile

• A very good university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in nutritional sciences, molecular medicine, biomedicine, immunology, biology or a related discipline
• Great interest in experimental biomedical research
• Ideally, initial practical experience in microbiome research and the conduct of clinical trials.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research in the field of nutrition and healthy aging
• Independent, structured work style and teamwork skills
• Very good English and German skills

We offer

• Participation and co-creation in innovative, interdisciplinary research projects with high societal relevance
• A committed, collegial and internationally networked scientific environment
• Opportunity for doctoral studies
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research infrastructure
• Attractive working conditions at a dynamically growing research location

The University of Augsburg promotes gender equality in the workplace. Women are expressly encouraged to apply. The University of Augsburg is particularly committed to reconciling family and professional life. For more information, please contact the Faculty’s Equal Opportunities Officer for Science and the Arts. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if they are otherwise essentially equally qualified, capable, and professionally competent.

Application & Contact: Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, list of publications) as a single PDF file with the subject line “Application PhD Student” by the deadline at the latest. 

August 17, 2026

to Prof. Dr. Evelyn Lamy 

Email: exposom-stellen@med.uni-augsburg.de .