PhD candidate / Research scientist (all genders) - international DFG-funded Research Training Group (IRTG) 3215 “Microdomains in Cardiac Disease”

The International Research Training Group (IRTG) 3215 “Microdomains in Cardiac Disease” is a German–French doctoral programme funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). It brings together basic and clinical scientists from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and Université Paris-Saclay. The aim of the IRTG is to provide structured, research-oriented doctoral training in cardiovascular basic and translational research, with a particular focus on subcellular microdomains in cardiac disease.

The Research Training Group will start on October 1, 2026, and is planned for a duration of 3.5 years. For the first funding period, twelve PhD candidate positions will be offered. Doctoral training will take place within a structured programme that includes joint German–French supervision, complementary scientific and transferable skills training, as well as mandatory research stays at the respective partner institution. Applicants may apply for up to three of the twelve research projects. Each doctoral candidate will conduct their PhD within one of the projects listed below, which are described in detail on our website.

RP1: Specific targeting of β1-adrenoceptor/cAMP microdomains to treat HFpEF

RP2: Regulation of catecholamine-induced inotropy and arrhythmias by distinct PDE3- and PDE4-ontrolled cAMP microdomains in atrial fibrillation

RP3: EPAC microdomain regulation of Ca2+ handling via cAMP and CaMKII in atrial fibrillation

RP4: Role of AKAP18γ in the regulation of phospholamban function

RP5: RSK as a signalling scaffold to orchestrate adaptation of cardiac muscle function and metabolism

RP6: Regulation of the proteasome by cyclic nucleotides in cardiac proteinopathy

RP7: Homoarginine-modulated spatially distinct cGMP pools as novel targets for heart failure

RP8: Adhesive junctional microdomains and the interplay with gap junctions and cAMP/PKA signalling in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

RP9: Role of the dual leucine zipper kinase in diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte mitochondrial dysfunction

RP10: Endothelial regulation of cardiomyocyte microdomains

RP11: Role of the mineralocorticoid receptor in Takotsubo stress cardiomyopathy

RP12: Interaction of the intercalated disc, sodium current function and calcium homeostasis in early arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Your tasks:

• Independent planning, execution, and analysis of complex experimental studies in the field of cardiovascular basic and translational research
• Application of state-of-the-art methods in biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, as well as imaging and functional techniques
• Contribution to the development of new experimental approaches and to the planning of scientific collaborations within the IRTG and with national and international partners
• Systematic analysis, interpretation, and documentation of scientific data
• Presentation of research results at internal events as well as at national and international scientific conferences
• Contribution to the preparation of scientific publications
• Active participation in all mandatory teaching and training activities of the IRTG, including seminars, workshops, retreats, and methodological courses

The position is funded at 65% of a full-time E13 salary according to the German public service pay scale.

• Completed university degree (Master’s, Diploma, or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, physics, pharmacy, or related natural sciences. Candidates with a medical degree (“Dr. med” or MD) can also apply
• Excellent academic performance and prior research experience (e.g. laboratory internships, cell culture techniques, molecular cloning, fluorescence microscopy, Master’s thesis, publications)
• Very good English skills (written and spoken)
• Strong interest in cardiovascular research and subcellular microdomains
• Motivation to learn new methods and technologies
• Willingness to undertake research stays at the partner university
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration in a German–French research environment
• Initiative, perseverance, commitment, and ability to work independently

We look forward to receiving your:

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

• Structured doctoral training within an internationally networked Research Training Group
• Excellent environment for the development of the next generation of cardiovascular researchers
• Project-specific scientific training at the highest level in cardiovascular basic and translational research
• Joint German–French supervision by experienced researchers
• International research stays at the partner institution with active integration into the local research environment
• Structured onboarding and an open knowledge-sharing culture within the team
• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA / TV-Ärzte/VKA) (€ 63.600 - € 91.100 / € 67.300 - € 86.500), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 / 40 hours per week. The amounts listed are guidelines and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
• Targeted and individualized professional development at both the technical and project levels is provided, offering long-term prospects in a meaningful work environment
• Comprehensive continuing education and training programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Career
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-functional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable commuting: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Excellent health, prevention, and sports programs
• Family-friendly work environment: Partnerships for childcare, free vacation care, counseling for employees with family members requiring care
• A secure job, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment
• Structured onboarding and open knowledge sharing within the team
• Our employee restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options; additional options are available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and at a supermarket located directly on the premises

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.