The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 30 clinics, 27 institutes and specialized centers. The over 8.000 employees offer medical care with state-of-the art diagnosis and therapies, which meet highest international standards. Patient care is connected with basic and translational research at an internationally competitive level. 1 PhD position (m/f/d) associated with the DFG-funded Research Training Group 2989 (RTG 2989) (pay grade: EG 13 TV-L 65%) Work Area: Institute of Medical Microbiology, group of Prof. Dr. Astrid M. Westendorf ( https://medizinische-mikrobiologie.uk-essen.de/lehrstuhl-fuer-infektionsimmunologie/ ) Contract duration: 01.04.2026 - 31.03.2030 The advertised position is part of the DFG-funded Research Training Group 2989 (RTG 2989) “Targeting cellular interfaces in Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction” ( https://www.uni-due.de/grk2989/home.php ) and assigned to project 4 “Targeting the Microbiome”. Patients with acute myocardial infarction often exhibit dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome, linked to poorer outcomes and severity of cardiovascular disease. Preliminary data obtained in a mouse model of myocardial infarction indicate alterations in the gut microbiota composition and distribution of immune cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This project aims to analyze how reperfused acute myocardial infarction affects the intestinal microbiome and how, in return, mediators of the gut microbiota affect the heart along the gut-heart-axis. The RTG 2989 focuses on exploring distinct cellular interfaces in reperfused acute myocardial infarction, encompassing the immune system, vasculature, and cardiomyocytes. Its objective is to identify novel treatment options for myocardial infarction patients. To ensure comprehensive training, the RTG 2989 integrates cardiovascular scientists with researchers from infection/immunology. The RTG 2989 introduces a unique program cultivating doctoral students' clinical and basic scientific skills for successful research. Key features include standardized animal models, patient cohorts supervised by the Cardiac Trial Unit, Tandem supervison pairing clinicians with basic scientist and a mentoring program. Talented and enthusiastic candidates with high interest in basic and translational research Strong Diploma/Master degree in Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Experimental Medicine or related fields High motivation and commitment for active cross-disciplinary collaboration Fluent in spoken and written English (knowledge of German is not a requirement) Willingness to work with laboratory animals Very good skills in independent working, organization, communication, and team work Active participation in the RTG program Innovative cross-disciplinary scientific training for PhD and MD students at the interface between infection/immunology and cardiovascular research Training in transferable academic and soft skills Funding for active participation in workshops and conferences and international visits to collaboration partners Regular supervision and mentoring Excellent career opportunities Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards Family-friendly corporate culture