PhD students (all genders) - CRC 1700 “Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease”

Basic researchers and clinician scientists form functional and interacting research units at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1700 received funding approval from the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the end of 2024. From April 1, 2025, the CRC 1700 will enter its first funding period and we are looking for committed scientists in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, human genetics, virology, oncology, hepatology and immunology to strengthen our ambitious CRC.

The main goal of the CRC 1700 “Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease” is an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the complex system of immune regulation in the liver. The liver functions as a central metabolic organ. Due to its anatomical position between the gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the body, it is constantly exposed to foreign and endogenous substances and antigens. In order to prevent an overreaction of the immune system and the resulting chronic inflammation, the liver induces immune tolerance. However, a higher immune tolerance favors susceptibility to viral diseases and the development of cancer. A deeper understanding of immune regulation in the liver is therefore essential in order to understand the fundamental biological principles of the human immune system. The CRC has a translational focus and aims to improve the treatment of acute and chronic liver and bile duct diseases.

Your tasks:

• Conducting and analyzing elaborate and complex experimental studies in the fields of immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, and virology. These will be carried out using the latest methods and techniques from the field of basic and translational research
• Participation in the planning and design of experimental studies, including the planning of collaborations within the CRC, and with national and international partners
• Presentation of experimental results at internal events and national and international congresses
• Participation in the preparation of scientific publications

We have several positions to fill. These positions are to be filled from April 1, 2025 until December 31, 2028 on a fixed-term basis at a rate of 65% of full time weekly working hours.

Please indicate three project preferences in your application:

• Institute of Inflammation and Carcinogenesis, Prof. N. Gagliani, Project A01 “Understanding the role of tissue-resident memory T cells in autoimmune liver diseases”
•  I. Department of Medicine, Prof. J. Herkel & Dr. L. Adlung, Project A03 “The role of TNF in the regulation of hepatic autoimmunity”
• Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology & I. Department of Medicine, Dr. A. Worthmann & Dr. L. Bosurgi, Project A04 “Dictating hepatic immune responses through bile acid-scavenging macrophages”
• I. Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Schwinge, Project A05 “T cells and cholangiocytes: an interaction that governs portal immune regulation and determines bilary inflammation”
• I. Department of Medicine, Prof. C. Schramm, Project B03 “The biliary mucosal interface in hepatic immune regulation”
• I. Department of Medicine, Prof. S. Huber, Project A07 “Using functional genomics to decipher the impact of polymorphisms in the IL2RA locus and other primary sclerosing cholangitis risk loci”
• I. Department of Medicine, Dr. J. Kempski & Prof. S. Huber, Project B01 “Intestinal inflammation modulates liver immune responses”
• III. Department of Medicine, Prof. M. Bunders, Project B04 “ILC development and modulation of cholangiocytes in biliary atresia”
• I. Department of Medicine, Prof. M. Dandri, Project B05 “The role of infected hepatocytes in regulating intrahepatic immunity”
• I. Department of Medicine & Clinic for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Dr. A. Giannou, Project B06 “The tolerogenic microenvironment in the liver facilitates metastasis formation”

In addition, further doctoral positions are being advertised at CRC partner sites in Kiel, Berlin, Munich and the University of Hamburg. For further information, please follow the link to the SFB's website.

• scientific university degree in biochemistry, cell biology, biology, human biology, immunology, chemistry, or comparable subjects of study
• (advantageous) sound knowledge of cell biology, as well as practical work experience with molecular biological, immunological and cell biological techniques as well as some experience or interest in mass spectometry
• great interest in basic and translational biomedical research and someone who enjoys interdisciplinary cooperation with international partners
• (desirable) previous experience with preclinical models and animal studies and in data analysis
• fluent in written and spoken English
• confident in handling MS Office
• able to work in a team, is commited, independent, comprehends data quickly, and is highly coordinated and organized
• strong communication skills

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.

• Structured doctoral training in the integrated research training group of the CRC 1700, as well as in the Hamburg School for Immunity and Infection (HSII), and with the possibility of further training in other research groups (also abroad)
• Attractive compensation according to
• 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
• 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

• Contact to the department

  Prof. Dr. Christoph Schramm, spokesperson of the CRC 1700 // Prof. Dr. Maura Dandri, co-spokesperson of the CRC 1700

• Recruiting contact

  Recruiting Team

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.