PhD student - Complex in vitro Models for Immunology & Respiratory Discovery Research
The Position:
Are you seeking an exciting scientific challenge within a globally successful, multiple “Global Top Employer” award‑winning company? Do you want to apply and expand your academic training in a cutting‑edge industrial research environment?
Apply now for PhD thesis beginning in April 2026!
At Boehringer Ingelheim, a world leader in innovative medicines, we offer you the opportunity to gain deep insights into the Innovation Unit of Human Pharma, working within the Immunology & Respiratory (I&R) Discovery Research department.
This PhD position is embedded within the Tech Innovation Lab in Biberach, focusing on complex, human derived disease and mechanistic models to support drug discovery and the validation of novel therapeutic concepts.
Your project will center on the generation, characterization, and optimization of advanced in vitro models, with a primary emphasis on budding organoids (Patient-derived alveolar organoids for drug discovery: Dysregulated epithelial repair in pulmonary fibrosis | European Respiratory Society). Future directions include vascularization of these systems and the development of omics based markers as well as protocols for isolating primary cells from human lung tissue and/or blood.
You will gain experience in driving science in an industry setup:
In this role, you will contribute to advancing lung repair and regeneration research within a global, cross disciplinary Immunology & Respiratory discovery environment that transforms patient insights into actionable biology and novel therapies.
You will:
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments in close collaboration with colleagues, supervisors, and external partners
- Support internal and external scientific and technical collaborations
- Work within a motivated team validating complex in vitro models for new therapeutic concepts in respiratory diseases
- Receive training in cell biology and hands on experience with primary human cells and/or iPSC derived cells
- Develop and characterize stable, multicellular pharmacology models and translate these into robust mechanistic understanding and assays thereof
- Drive and apply new techniques in molecular and cellular biology
- Communicate your results clearly through reports, oral presentations, and scientific discussions
- Present and defend your work at internal and external scientific meetings
- Work in an ethical, safe, and compliant manner while maintaining appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs and industry standards
Your Profile:
- Master’s degree in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, or immunology, with documented laboratory experience
- Academic performance suitable for enrollment at a British university
- Advanced knowledge of complex in vitro systems (co‑cultures, organoids, microphysiological systems)
- Hands‑on experience with human tissues and/or primary cells; FACS experience is an advantage
- Experience with vascular model systems is welcome
- Dedicated, team‑oriented, and eager to learn
- Agile mindset with willingness to respond to evolving portfolio needs
- Demonstrated creative problem‑solving skills → Please briefly describe one example in your cover letter
- Fluency in spoken and written English; German is a plus
- Proficiency in MS Office
What we can offer you:
- As a PhD, you can expect a fair expense allowance
- You will be given 2.5 paid vacation days for every full month
The duration of the PhD thesis is 3 years. The earliest start date is currently in April 2026. Please enter the desired period in your application.
Ready to contact us?
Please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330.
Discover our Biberach site: xplorebiberach.com