PhD candidate / Research assistant (all genders)

The RTG “Multiscale Imaging and Analytics of Interfaces in Musculoskeletal Health” brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), DESY (PETRA III), and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon.

We combine cutting-edge imaging, experimental analytics, data science, and translational medicine to visualize, understand and predict how musculoskeletal interfaces form, adapt, fail, or regenerate.

Together, our projects integrate advanced imaging, ultra-high-resolution electron microscopy (TEM, SBF-SEM, FIB-SEM), Synchrotron imaging, nano- and micro-CT, SAXS/WAXS, Raman spectroscopy, optical-coherence-tomography, biomechanics, finite cell and finite element modeling, and AI-driven analytics into unified, correlative workflows.

The PhD candidate is working in one of the projects listed below and detailed at www.rtg3144.de/apply-now. In total, we are hiring 10 PhD candidates for the first cohort of the RTG, running for 4 years from 2026-2030. Applicants can apply for a maximum of three of ten projects.

For more detailed descriptions of the projects, training and qualification, and supervision please visit www.rtg3144.de.

• P1 Assessing the impact and predictive value of bone marrow fat, BMD, muscle mass, and muscle fat on fracture risk and outcome using spectral-CT imaging
• P2 Exploring molecular pathways of tendon-to-bone healing in normal and osteoporotic bone remodeling
• P3 The influence of age-related changes in human tendon enthesis, cortical bone microstructure, and myotendinous junction on fracture risk
• P4 High-resolution imaging and analytics of mineralized bone tissue and soft tissues at the bone-tendon-muscle interfaces
• P5 Intra-bone-tissue-interfaces connecting around the osteocyte network: Investigating the relationship between the osteocyte and vascular networks
• P6 The impact of the bone microenvironment on endothelial cell behavior and the reciprocal effects of vascular dysfunction on bone quality
• P7 Development of spatiotemporal deep learning methods for shear-wave elastographic imaging at soft tissue interfaces (application and enrolment at TUHH)
• P8 Assessing the mechanical damping effect of fat in vertebral bone (application and enrolment at TUHH)
• P9 Assessing musculoskeletal intervention using zebrafish locomotion analyses and tissue phenotyping
• P10 What are the sex-specific vascular-driven mechanisms contributing to changes in gait and motion?

These positions are temporary for 4 years due to third-party funding.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a STEM-related field, including but not limited to
  biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, materials science, life sciences, computer science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, physics, or data science
• Strong motivation to work at the interface of biomedical and engineering research
• Demonstrated interdisciplinary interest, e.g. in
  imaging, artificial intelligence, biomechanics, medical technology, and musculoskeletal health
• Depending on the specific project, experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Experimental research and laboratory techniques
  • Computational or theoretical research
  • Statistical analysis and data evaluation
  • Programming and data science methods
• Ability and willingness to acquire new methods outside one’s original discipline
• Strong teamwork and communication skills in an interdisciplinary research environment
• High level of self-motivation, resilience, and problem-solving ability
• Willingness to actively participate in a structured qualification and training program
• An interdisciplinary mindset combined with a solid disciplinary background, with openness to diverse scientific perspectives and expertise

We look forward to receiving your:

• Motivational letter (specify the project you apply for, you can apply to max. 3)
• CV
• Transcript of records/ (Bachelor and Master)
• Recommendation letter (usually by previous supervisor)

• 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

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.