PhD Researcher - Mechanisms and Clinical Trajectories of Inner Ear Degeneration in DFNA9

About Us

The School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. Furthermore, the university cooperates closely with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen.

This position is embedded within the PROVIDE Doctoral Network ( ), an international doctoral training program funded by the European Union that aims to address the global burden of vestibular disorders. The network trains ten doctoral candidates who conduct interdisciplinary research projects to develop new knowledge, tools, and approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders.

The successful candidate will work in the research group of Prof. Dr. Sonja J. Pyott and collaborate closely with partners at the University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (Netherlands), the University of Antwerp (Belgium), and the Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands).

The doctoral project investigates DFNA9, a hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the COCH gene, which leads to progressive hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Using an integrated cross-model approach spanning mouse models, longitudinal patient cohorts, and human inner ear organoids, the project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential vulnerability of cochlear and vestibular systems and relate these mechanisms to clinical disease trajectories.

Your Tasks

• Conducting laboratory (including animal) research on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inner ear degeneration caused by COCH mutations (DFNA9)
• Applying integrated experimental approaches across animal models, patient data, and organoid systems
• Analyzing longitudinal clinical datasets to identify disease trajectories in DFNA9 patients
• Collaborating with international project partners within the PROVIDE doctoral network
• Presenting research findings at international conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
• Participating in training activities and network events organized by the PROVIDE doctoral network

Your Profile

Required qualifications :

• Completed Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, or a related field
• Strong interest in research on hearing, balance, and inner ear disorders
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Additional Eligibility Criteria (MSCA mobility rule)

• At the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.
• Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, or biomedical laboratory-based research
• Experience and/or certification conducting research with laboratory animals

We Offer

• Structured doctoral training and transferable-skills courses
• International collaboration with leading laboratories and clinical partners
• Participation in international workshops, training schools, and conferences.

Our Standards

• Designated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• In accordance with 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered.
• Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further Information

The position is located in the Division of Cellular Communications in Neurosensory Systems and includes the possibility of personal scientific qualification PhD .

Following completion of the selection process and institutional hiring procedures, the successful candidate is expected to start the position in June/July 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).