PhD student (all genders) - CRC 1713, Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences

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At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 16,100 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry.

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PhD student (all genders) - CRC 1713, Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences

Job-ID:

J

Contract Type:

Temporary

Employment Type:

Part time

Closing Date:

Organization:

UKE_Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie (ZMNH)

Category:

Research & Science

Department:

Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS)

Main tasks

The Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS) integrates immunological, neurobiological, genetic, and systems biology approaches to investigate immune cell dysregulation and its neurobiological consequences in multiple sclerosis (MS) (see Kaufmann M, et al. Med. 2021 Mar 12;2(3):296–312.e8; Walkenhorst M, et al. Nat Commun. 2024 Oct 28;15(1):9287; Woo MS, et al. Cell. 2025 Jun 13:S The advertised position is part of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1713, Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences,funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The project focuses on investigating immunoregulatory secretory networks during pregnancy and their modulation of MS. The doctoral candidate will be a member of the CRC Graduate Programme, which provides structured supervision and an internationally oriented study curriculum.

Your tasks:

• Investigation of molecular immunological mechanisms in mouse models of MS and pregnancy
• Application of molecular, cell biology, and immunological methods (e.g., flow cytometry, cell culture, confocal microscopy, single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, cloning, proteomics)
• Collaboration with immunologists, neurobiologists, and bioinformaticians within the institute and the CRC
• Participation in weekly seminars and meetings, with regular presentations of research progress
• Dissemination of research findings through publications, and poster or oral presentations at internal and international conferences and symposia

The position is initially limited to three years as part of a third-party funded project and is available immediately with 65 % of the regular weekly working hours.

Your Profile

• Master degree or diploma in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, or a related field in the life sciences
• Strong scientific interest in immunological, molecular, and cell biology research with translational relevance
• Practical experience in basic cell biology, biochemical, and/or molecular biology techniques
• Good command of English (spoken and written) and proficiency in MS Office
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a structured and efficient manner
• Preferred qualifications include experience with cell culture and immunological methods (e.g., flow cytometry), handling of laboratory animals (FELASA B certification), and basic knowledge of bioinformatics (e.g., R)

Your application should include:

• Personal cover letter (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae, including qualifications (max. 3 A4 pages)
• Contact information for two referees (telephone and email)

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to contribute to our "UKE INside" personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the "Health Kitchen" cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

Contact

Contact to the department

Prof. Dr. Manuel Friese // Dr. Jana Sonner

// -54030

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Recruiting contact

Recruiting Team

About us

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

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