Junior Research Associate / PhD candidate (all genders) in the field of glycoimmunology

The doctoral position being advertised is part of a DFG-funded research project that investigates the therapeutic significance of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1) in preeclampsia. The goal of the project is to better understand the underlying molecular and immunological mechanisms of preeclampsia and to investigate the therapeutic potential of PSG1 in preclinical models.

The project combines experimental immunology, reproductive medicine, glycoimmunology, and modern omics technologies. It employs innovative approaches such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and bioinformatic data analysis. The Ph.D. position thus offers the opportunity to independently address a scientifically challenging research question at the intersection of basic research and translational medicine and to develop one’s own scientific profile.

Your tasks:

• Development and implementation of an independent scientific research project in the field of glycoimmunology and reproductive medicine with a translational focus on the molecular mechanisms of pregnancy-related disorders
• Planning, implementation, and scientific supervision of experimental studies and experimental designs
• Application and further development of modern methods in molecular biology, cell biology, and experimental immunology
• Generation and analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics data, as well as the integration and interpretation of multimodal datasets
• Development and establishment of new experimental and bioinformatics methods and analytical approaches
• Bioinformatic processing, quality control, visualization, and statistical analysis of complex omics datasets
• Application and, where necessary, further development of suitable statistical methods for the evaluation of scientific data
• Systematic research, evaluation, and critical assessment of current scientific literature
• Independent interpretation of research results and development of new scientific research questions
• Structured documentation and data management, as well as ensuring the traceability and reproducibility of research results
• Presentation of results at national and international scientific conferences
• Preparation of scientific manuscripts and active contribution to publications in international journals
• The position involves conducting and/or supervising animal experiments. A willingness to work with animals in research, in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines, is required
• Active participation in an interdisciplinary and international research team, as well as scientific exchange with national and international collaborators

The position is a part-time position at 65% (25.03 hours per week). The contract term is initially 36 months, corresponding to the duration of the DFG project; an extension is planned. The planned start date is January 1, 2027.

• A completed academic degree (Master’s/Diploma) in a relevant field, such as biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, biomedicine, bioinformatics, or a related discipline
• A strong interest in immunological, molecular biological, and/or reproductive medicine topics
• Basic to good knowledge of bioinformatics and data analysis, particularly in the use of R/RStudio and, ideally, other programming languages or analysis environments (e.g., Python)
• Experience with or interest in the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-seq) and/or spatial transcriptomics data
• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and visualization of scientific data
• Interest in the development and application of computer-aided analytical methods for complex biological datasets
• Willingness to learn new bioinformatics methods, software, and analysis pipelines and to further develop them independently
• Experience working with large datasets and knowledge of data management and reproducible analysis workflows are a plus
• Excellent scientific communication skills in English; knowledge of German is a plus
• An independent, structured, and meticulous approach to work, as well as an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• A strong motivation to independently address scientific questions and learn new methods
• Willingness to conduct or supervise animal experiments in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines

• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA) (€ 63,600 – € 91,100), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 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.