Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) is the largest hospital in the state capital and one of the most important medical centers in North Rhine-Westphalia. The 9,300 employees at UKD and its subsidiaries are committed to treating over 45,000 inpatients and 270,000 outpatients every year. The UKD stands for international excellence in patient care, research and teaching, as well as for innovative and safe diagnostics, therapy and prevention. Patients benefit from the intensive interdisciplinary cooperation between the 60 clinics and institutes. The particular strength of the University Hospital is the close integration of clinical and research work for the safe application of new methods. Tomorrow's medicine is being created at the UKD. Every single day.
The Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases (Director: Professor Dr. T. Lüdde) is seeking, as of May 2026
3 Doctoral Candidates in the Natural Sciences (m/f/d) in the field of liver cancer research
Within the framework of the Research Unit FOR 5889 funded by the German Research Foundation (05/2026-04/2030), entitled “The Dynamic Regulation of Stage Transitions in Chronic Liver Disease by Cell Death and Alarm Signals”, we are looking for candidates for doctoral positions starting in May 2026.
As part of two third-party funded projects of FOR 5889, (funded as od 05/2026-04/2030), the candidates will conduct research on one of the following projects: Project P02: PI: Dr. A.T. Schneider; one open position; project title “Exploring the function of apoptotic effector caspases in stage transitions of hepatic diseases”. Project P08: PIs: Prof. Dr. J. Bode, Dr. C. Angendohr; two open positions; project title “Role of stress response kinases in regulating cell death and the subsequent release and action of DAMPs in the pathogenesis of MASH”. The doctoral program is designed as a structured graduate training program and includes attractive advanced training modules at the interface of basic life sciences and clinical research, in addition to project-specific research work, with the opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.).
The positions are offered at 65% part-time employment, with the salary level according to the German public service pay scale for the federal states (TV-L E13). The positions are limited to a duration of four years. Employment will be in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG, § 2 para. 2).
What you offer
We are searching for highly motivated doctoral candidates (m/f/d) who have completed an excellent university degree (Diplom, Master’s degree, or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, human biology/molecular medicine, veterinary medicine, or a related life sciences discipline.
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in cell biology and/or immunology, as well as a pronounced interest in cellular and molecular oncology, programmed cell death, and tumor immunology. Candidates should possess excellent written and spoken English skills and be willing to work with in vivo/mouse models. The ability to independently manage and further develop the research project, including the critical analysis of current scientific literature, as well as to contribute original scientific ideas is essential. Active participation in informal and scientific events within the research network is expected.
We appreciate enthusiasm for experimental research in a competitive international environment, excellent communication and teamwork skills, high motivation, and scientific curiosity, as well as an independent, structured working style and thorough documentation practices. Experience with molecular and cell biological methods and the willingness to contribute to project-related administrative tasks (e.g., coordination with internal administrative offices and external authorities) is desirable, as well as German language skills and basic skills in the programming language R.
What we provide
A fixed-term employment contract for 4 years (65% part-time position)
All benefits customary in the German public sector
Secure and performance-based remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L)
A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment at the interface of clinical and basic cancer research
Collaboration within a dynamic network of universities in North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, with a scientific focus on innovative molecular imaging and the opportunity to learn cutting-edge technologies (e.g., 2-photon microscopy)
A modern research building with extensive equipment and infrastructure
Access to the university’s central core facilities (e.g., proteomics, imaging)
A scientifically excellent environment with opportunities to participate in advanced training programs, graduate courses, and conferences
Supervision by an experienced postdoctoral researcher
The position is evaluated according to the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L), salary group E13.
The employment contract will be concluded with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification.
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is committed to increasing the proportion of women in academia. Therefore, applications from women will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal aptitude, qualifications, and professional achievement, unless reasons related to the person of a competing applicant prevail. The university upholds the principle of excellence through diversity. It has signed the “Charta der Vielfalt” (Diversity Charter) and has successfully participated in the Stifterverband’s “Vielfalt gestalten” (Shaping Diversity) audit. It is certified as a family-friendly university and actively promotes the compatibility of career/scientific work and family life.
Applications should include (please indicate sections where you used AI tools):
Please specify in your application the desired project (P02 or P08) and, if applicable, your priority
Letter of intent (please state clearly what motivates you to apply for this position and what you believe you can contribute to our research group)
Curriculum vitae
Copy of your university degree certificate
Brief summary of research experience and practical lab skills
List of referees
By sending the application documents, the applicant agrees that these become the property of the University Hospital Düsseldorf and will not be returned for reasons of cost.
Applications should be submitted within two weeks of release of this offer, quoting the reference number: 111E/26, as a single PDF file to:
bewerbungen@med.uni-duesseldorf.de or Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf D 01.2.1 Kennziffer: 111E/26 Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf
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Das Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf ist das größte Krankenhaus in der Landeshauptstadt und eines der wichtigsten medizinischen Zentren in NRW. Die rund 9.300 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter in UKD und Tochterfirmen setzen sich dafür ein, dass jährlich über 45.000 Patient:innen und Patienten stationär behandelt und 270.000 ambulant versorgt werden...
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