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.
University professorship (all genders) for Experimental Ophthalmology specialising in Retinal Degeneration and Translational Therapies at the level of pay grade 'BesGr W2'
Job-ID:
J
Contract Type:
Temporary depending on evaluation
Employment Type:
Full time
Closing Date:
Organization:
UKE_Kopf- und Neurozentrum
Category:
Professorship
Department:
Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde
Field of activity
This position (Kennziffer: FK 03-325/3) is to be filled at the earliest possible date for a period of 5 years. A permanent position is planned following a positive evaluation
Your professorship encompasses the development of innovative approaches for the treatment of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), hereditary retinal diseases and glaucoma. A special focus is on research and the application of novel strategies for the prevention of neuronal cell loss. The characterisation of the underlying molecular pathomechanisms is a further aim. Another major area of activity is the development and application of innovative carrier systems for efficient drug delivery and gene transfer systems to achieve new treatment options. In this context, the development of new treatment strategies for lysosomal storage diseases and other degenerative retinal diseases is of particular importance. This involves the further development and maintenance of existing (animal) models. The establishment of further models such as organ cultures and spheroids for investigating the pathogenesis of retinal diseases is a prerequisite. These preclinical approaches are to be actively translated into clinical applications to promote innovative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases. This requires previous and existing collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry.
Teaching commitments
Teaching load according to the Teaching Obligation Regulation for Hamburg Institutions of Higher Education [LVVO] in its currently valid version. A reduction in the teaching load is governed according to Sections 15 et seq. LVVO.
Recruitment requirements
* Proof of fulfilment of the employment requirements in accordance with Section 15 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act [HmbHG] of 18 July 2001, as amended, including proof of a postdoctoral lecturing qualification or an equivalent scientific qualification
* Completed degree in biology, medicine or a related subject with a doctorate in life sciences and additional qualifications in pharmaceutical project management
* Extensive experience in translational ophthalmological research and in the establishment and application of preclinical models and animal models
* Ideally, you will also meet additional criteria: Expertise in the field of lysosomal storage disorders and degenerative retinal diseases
* Demonstrable research success through third-party funding, international collaborations, high-ranking publications and patents
* Involvement in scientific networks and committees
* Practical experience in leading work and laboratory groups and supervising young scientists
* Dedication and ability to raise third-party funding and participate in interdisciplinary research projects
Immunity status
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
* An innovative and family-friendly working environment in the heart of Hamburg (collaboration with childcare providers, free childcare during school/kindergarten holidays)
* Opportunity to participate in extensive training and continuing education programs at our UKE Academy for Training and Career as well as in a wide range of introductory events
* An attractive company pension scheme and access to a diverse spectrum of award-winning health programs and preventive healthcare measures
We offer a working environment providing equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion. To emphasise this, we have joined the 'Diversity Charter'. It is our explicit aim to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions, especially among scientific personnel in the areas of research and teaching. Women with equivalent qualifications will be primarily considered. The same applies if a gender is underrepresented in the area of the vacant position. Severely disabled persons with the same of aptitude, qualifications, and professional performance will be given preference.
Your application
We look forward to receiving your complete application with a tabular CV, structured publication list, research concept, teaching concept, and equality concept aligned to our Hamburg site, as well as proof of third-party funding and other references and certificates. Please email your application, quoting the reference number FK 03-325/3 by October 31, 2025 to (as a pdf file).
Contact
Contact to the department
Mr. Prof. Dr. Martin Spitzer
Director of the Department of Ophthalmology, Head and Neurocentre
Apply now
Employer
Erstes gesamtzertifiziertes Universitätsklinikum Deutschlands