Research Associate / PhD Student – Department of Nephrologie + Else Kroener-Fresenius Center

Our Department of Nephrology and the Else Kroener‑Fresenius Center (EKFZ) provide excellent facilities to conduct interdisciplinary research in the field of Nephrology and Cardiovascular biology. We offer an attractive surrounding for modern science in molecular medicine, systems biology, and data science.

The PhD project is embedded in a translational research program aiming to understand how the hematopoietic system connects aging, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Using single‑cell and spatial omics as well as large population‑based datasets, the project will identify molecular and cellular mechanisms driving age‑related inflammatory complications in cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

Your Role

• Investigate mechanisms of multicellular communication in vitro and in vivo during aging.
• Understand how these interactions influence vascular function.
• Explore connections between vascular aging, cardiovascular disease, and renal health.
• Process, quality‑control, and analyze scRNA‑seq, scATAC‑seq, and spatial transcriptomics datasets.
• Collaborate with experimental and clinical researchers to define hypotheses and interpret results in a biological and clinical context.
• Present results within the working group, at seminars, and at international conferences.
• Write a PhD thesis and contribute to scientific publications.

Required Skills

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in experimental techniques and a keen interest in molecular biology and human disease mechanisms, ideally in cardiovascular and/or kidney disease and immunology.
• Background in computational biology is a plus.
• Basic understanding of statistics.
• Willingness to learn new molecular methods in vitro and in vivo as well as tools in computational biology.
• Very good communication skills in English; German is an advantage but not required.
• High motivation, ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity/vaccination is required.

Benefits and Offer

• Attractive salary based on a collective agreement (TV‑G‑U) with an annual special payment.
• Long‑term security through company pension schemes.
• Internal and external training for your professional development.
• Health offers, including regular online and face‑to‑face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports, and exercise.
• Childcare in our daycare center and child care during holidays (contact UKF‑Familienservice for details).
• Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen).
• Uniklinik‑Campus facilities, Mensa, cafés.
• Insights via Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.

It's time to join our team!

Contact: Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dr. sc. Nat. Thimoteus Speer, Director Med. Clinic 4
Email:
Application Deadline:

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt, so applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.