Hamburg: Two PhD Students (all genders) in Experimental heart and skin research

Mechanical coupling of cells determines cellular functions and tissue homeostasis. Impaired balance of mechanical interactions causes the fatal diseases Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy and Pemphigus affecting the heart and the skin. PhD positions are available in two labs, both located at the Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology on the Campus of the University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE). The positions are part of a structured PhD program at the UKE.

Project overview

1) Circulating and local immune factors and cells contributing to Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (PI Camilla Schinner)

The project will create a detailed profile of circulating as well as cardiac immunological factors and cell types contributing to development and progression of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) especially in the early phase of the disease. These data will feed into the identification of new disease drivers and therapeutic approaches.

You will

… address a relevant research topic analysing the early molecular and cellular processes that contribute to the phenotype of a cardiac disorder

… apply various ACM model systems (mouse disease models, patient samples, in vitro and ex vivo cardiac equivalents, Schinner et. al Circulation 2022)

… use cutting-edge imaging and sequencing techniques (scRNASeq, spatial transcriptomics, super/high-resolution imaging)

2) Modulation of energy metabolism by desmosomes in the skin – implications for skin disease (PI Volker Spindler).

In this project, you will determine the impact of specific cell adhesion molecules on energy metabolism in cellular, tissue and organism context. The project seeks to mechanistically understand the interplay of cell-cell coupling and glucose homeostasis in the epidermis and will evaluate a contribution to blistering skin diseases and differentiation defects. It builds upon recent work of the group (; ).

You will

… address exciting and important research questions centering on the interplay of cell-cell interactions and energy metabolism.

… apply a variety of skin model systems (mouse models, reconstituted 3D skin equivalents, epidermal organoids).

… use cutting-edge imaging (confocal and superresolution microscopy) techniques together with CRISPR-based gene editing and single-cell sequencing approaches.

According to DFG funding regulations for PhD students, the positions are temporary for 3 years (65% of regular working hours) with the option for an extension.

Start of employment: 01.06.2025 or by agreement.

• You have a Master's degree in biomedical or molecular sciences, biology or related fields
• Strong background in molecular biology with an interest in cell biology and translational medicine
• Previous experience with mouse models, 3D model systems, stem cell cultivation, or bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data are advantageous
• You have excellent communication skills (written and spoken) in English
• You are a team player who enjoys working in a young, international and interactive scientific environment

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.

• 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

  Frau Prof. Dr. Schinner // Herr Prof. Dr. Spindler

• 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.