PhD student (all genders) in neuroimmunology - Research Unit FOR 5228 “Syntophagy”

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 Woo MS, et al. Cell. 2025 Jun 13:S0092-8674(25)00616-6; Sonner JK, et al. Nat. Immunol. 2026 Jan 15: 10.1038/s41590-025-02406-1). The advertised position is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and it is part of the Research Unit FOR 5228 “Syntophagy ” () that focuses on understanding neuronal autophagy (Karpova A, et al. Neuron 2025) . The project focuses on mechanisms and function of autophagy in healthy and inflammed neurons of an animal model of MS. The doctoral candidate will be a member of a graduate school which provides structured supervision and an internationally oriented study curriculum.

Your tasks:

• Investigation of molecular neurobiological mechanisms in mouse models of MS
• Application of molecular, cell biology and advance microscopy (e.g., molecular cloning, cell culture, confocal and advanced superresolution microscopy, biochemical assays)
• Collaboration with neurobiologists, immunologist and bioinformaticians within the institute and the Research Unit
• 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 four years as part of a third-party funded project and is available immediately. It should be filled 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 neurobiology, cell biology and/or molecular research with translational relevance
• Practical experience in basic cell biology, molecular biology, microscopy and/or biochemical techniques
• Excellent 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 handling of laboratory animals (FELASA B certification), and basic knowledge of bioinformatics (e.g., R)
• Availability to start in early summer 2026

Your application should include:

• Personal cover letter (max. 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae, including qualifications (max. 3 A4 pages)
• School and university reports
• 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