PhD and Postdoctoral Positions

Application deadline: 31/01/2026

Call for Applications: PhD and Postdoctoral Positions Collaborative Research Center (SFB) DEFINE University Hospital Würzburg/University Würzburg, Germany

The newly established Collaborative Research Center (SFB) DEFINE at the University Hospital Würzburg invites applications for multiple PhD and Postdoctoral Researcher positions. SFB DEFINE brings together leading scientists in medicine (dermatology, pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery), molecular biology, immunology, biomedicine, and systems research to investigate fundamental mechanisms underlying development of diseases related to desmosome disorders. SFB DEFINE is a multidisciplinary research consortium funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Its mission is to uncover dynamic molecular and cellular mechanisms that related to dysfunction of desmosomes. Our teams combine cutting-edge technologies including advanced imaging, single-cell analytics, organoid cultures, and translational approaches using patient-derived samples.

PhD Positions

• A fully funded position according to DFG/TV-L guidelines
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at the University and University Hospital Würzburg
• Structured doctoral training within the Graduate School and SFB DEFINE
• A highly collaborative, international research environment
• Close exchange with researchers from Marburg and Munich being part of this CRC

Postdoctoral Researcher

• A competitive salary according to TV-L regulations
• Opportunities to lead your own subprojects and develop independent research ideas
• Excellent scientific infrastructure and support for career development
• Integration into a dynamic research network with national and international partnerships

Applicants must indicate clearly in the cover letter which subproject they are applying to. Your application will be reviewed and matched to the project group most aligned with your profile.

The following projects are situated in Würzburg

Research Area A – Desmosome Function and Immune Regulation in Simple and Stratified Epithelia

Projects A04 and A05 Focus: fundamental mechanisms by which desmosomes regulate adhesion, signalling, and immune interactions in both simple and stratified epithelial tissues. Candidates might explore cell–cell junction dynamics, immune regulation, and barrier integrity in healthy versus perturbed states.

Research Area C – Desmosome Dysfunction in Digestive Tract Inflammation

Projects C01, C02 and C05 Focus: role of desmosomal alterations in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis), combining cellular biology with clinical and translational approaches.

PhD Positions

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or related disciplines
• Interest in mechanistic and translational biomedical research
• Relevant laboratory or computational experience related to the chosen subproject
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Completed PhD in life sciences, medicine, bioinformatics, biophysics, systems biology or related field
• Strong publication record demonstrating independence and creativity
• Expertise relevant to a DEFINE research focus (e.g., molecular biology, imaging, immunology, computational biology)
• Experience mentoring students and strong teamwork skills

• Cover letter (including preferred subproject(s))
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of degrees and transcripts
• Contact details of 2–3 academic referees
• (Postdoc only) List of publications and brief research statement

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility
• Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment
• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Company daycare center with extended opening hours
• Company sports program
• Flexible Working Hours
• JobBike
• Corporate Benefits

Univ.- Prof. Dr. med. Nicolas Schlegel

Leitung des Lehrstuhls für Experimentelle Viszeralchirurgie

Tel:

In the case of a university degree from a non-EU country, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required.

Remuneration is in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified.