PhD or postdoc position (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 30/04/2026

The Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine at University Hospital Würzburg will offer a PhD or postdoc position (open to m/f/d applicants). The position is limited to two or three years respectively. The salary is based on TV‑L.

We offer

The PhD or postdoc will cover the topic presynaptic and peripheral plasticity of nociceptors in pain resolution (DOI: /eLife.56738; DOI: /s -6; DOI: /j.bja. ). The project employs high resolution imaging to analyze skin and spinal cord plasticity in preclinical models and patient samples. You will find a highly motivated team. Open communication culture is what sets us apart. You will be associated with the doctoral program of the Gradual School of Life Sciences (

The programme is characterised by structured onboarding at an excellently equipped workplace and jointly developed milestones and career paths. In addition to a specialised training programme, you can expect skills training and opportunities for co‑determination.

As a family‑friendly research group, part‑time work and working from home as well as support in caring for children or relatives are a matter of course for us. If necessary, we will support you in finding accommodation and childcare. Disabled people will be given priority if they are equally qualified.

Your Tasks

The clinical research group KFO5001 ResolvePAIN of the German Research Foundation (DFG) is starting the second funding period. It is conducted by clinical and basic scientists from the University Hospital Würzburg, University of Leipzig, and Charité. Principal investigators are based in neurology, anaesthesiology, psychiatry, neuroradiology, internal medicine, physiology, and clinical neurobiology.

Resolution of and recovery from neuropathic pain depend on mechanisms such as resolution of inflammation, synaptic reorganisation, and restoration of neuronal pathways. In ResolvePAIN, we aim to investigate recovery patterns and mechanisms of pain resolution in the peripheral somatosensory system and in connection with the central nervous system. We will utilise a combined translational approach involving clinical, preclinical, and basic sciences as well as studies on CNS control over the peripheral processes (

Your Profile

Do you fit to us?

You are an open‑minded, enthusiastic, committed and research‑loving scientist (Master in Neurosciences, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, etc.) or a PhD in neurosciences (pain research) having completed your studies with excellent results. You thrive in international teams and translational research. We expect you to work independently with a lively commitment within the KFO5001, resilience and flexibility. Background in neurosciences, pain research, high resolution imaging, or animal behaviour is of high advantage.

We look forward to receiving your application!

We would like to get to know you! Please send your application (including motivation letter, curriculum vitae, academic references, grades) until April 30, 2026.

Further information can be obtained by the relevant project leaders or the scientific director Prof. Dr. Heike Rittner, Anesthesiology (Phone: or by email).

This is what you can look forward to

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility
• Attractive salary according to TV‑L incl. annual special payment
• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Company daycare centre with extended opening hours
• Company sports programme
• Flexible Working Hours
• JobBike
• Corporate Benefits

Become part of the team: Apply now!

Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner
Leiterin des ZIS
Tel:

Remuneration is in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified.