Better together. For life.
At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 16,100 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry.
At UKE, we believe that meaningful and successful work should align with our employees' personal needs and individual lifestyles. Just as diverse as these needs are, so too is the variety of personalized solutions we offer.
Welcome to the UKE. At the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, a position as a graduate student (PhD student) is available in the research group developmental neurobiology and paediatric neurooncology (head Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüller, Hirntumoren - Forschungsinstitut Kinderkrebs) as of 01.08.2025. In principle, a later start is conceivable. Participation in the structured PhD programme of the faculty is possible.
You can expect a motivated and dynamic team of medical doctors, natural scientists, bioinformaticians, technical assistants and students who are investigating childhood nervous system tumors within the framework of different projects and with different approaches.
An exciting project awaits you in which we investigate the molecular steps of malignant transformation from precursor stages to highly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) in patients with the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1. For this purpose, modern technologies like single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and global DNA methylation profiling will be applied.
For this work, you can expect a helpful team, a detailed introduction and appropriate supervision throughout the entire period of the doctorate.
This is a parttime position with 65% percent of the regular weekly working hours and is initially limited to three years as part of a third-party funded research project.
Excellent scientific degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences, bioinformatics or a related subject)
Strong interest in molecular science and high motivation to work on an ambitious project
Excellent collaborative teamwork with strengths in communication and independent thinking
Knowledge of basic methods of molecular biology
Ideally programming skills (e.g. R, Python) and experience with omics data
Ability to prepare, present and publish scientific data
Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
Candidates with equivalent skills and experience and high interest in the research area described are also welcome to apply
DFG funded, innovative research project including modern technologies
Close mentoring by experienced postdocs and PI
Retreats, guest lectures, and labmeetings
Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
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, personal 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.