Research associate / junior group leader (all genders) - feto-maternal immunity

"Making an Impact in Translational Medicine." Dr. Dimitra Z.: Physician Scientist and future leader 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.

Research Associate / Junior Group Leader (all genders) – Feto-Maternal Immunity Full time/ Part time | Temporary | Hamburg Eppendorf Main tasks

At the University Medical Center Hamburg, basic researchers and clinical scientists form highly interactive and functional research units. A key initiative of this interdisciplinary collaboration is the newly funded Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1713 “Maternal Immune Activation – Causes and Consequences”.

CRC 1713 investigates the impact of immune activation on maternal health and the progression of pregnancy, particularly in the context of infections, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. Additionally, CRC1713 examines how maternal immune activation influences fetal immune system development and its subsequent effects on postnatal health. Main research approaches involve observational studies involving pregnant women in combination with preclinical models. The goal is to identify biological factors linked to health risks for mother and child, and to develop new methods for early detection, prevention, and treatment of risks for maternal and offspring health.

We are seeking a highly motivated junior group leader to expand our research in experimental obstetrics and translational immunology. This position offers the opportunity to establish your own research group, explore innovative concepts, and thrive within the interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of the Hamburg Center for Translational Medicine and CRC 1713. You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art core facilities and extensive networking opportunities with experts across disciplines.

Your tasks:

• Establish and lead an independent junior research group with a focus on immunology
• Conduct research within the framework of CRC 1713, HCTI and Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine
• Introduce new techniques or models to advance immunological research within HCTI

The position offers additional research funding for a period of three years to cover personnel and consumables, with the possibility of a two-year extension based on performance evaluation and continuation of CRC1713.

A little more. A little better. Every day.

Your Profile

• Completed university degree and preferably a PhD in biology, biochemistry, human biology, or a related field, or a medical degree with a clinical-scientific background
• Postdoctoral training in immunology, reproduction or other fields
• A brief description of your research concept
• Strong passion for research and commitment to a successful academic career in basic and translational science

We look forward to receiving your comprehensive application, including CV, publication list, and certificates.

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement ( TVöD/VKA / TV-Ärzte/VKA ) (€ 68,720 € - 97,950 € / € 67,320 -  € 86,533), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 hours per week / 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

Ready to join us? The next step is yours.

The UKE looks forward to receiving your application by 27.07.2026  via the application link. More information about our application process can be found here: Careers at UKE – Job Openings & Application Process.

Contact 

Contact to the department
Dr. Kristin Thiele (Scientific Project Management) // Prof. Dr. med. Petra Arck (Speaker of CRC 1713)
+49 (0) 40 7410-51998
k.guthmann@uke.de

Recruiting contact
Recruiting Team
+49 40 7410-52599

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.