3 Doctoral Candidates in the Natural Sciences (m/f/d) in the field of liver cancer research

Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) is the largest hospital in the state capital and one of the most important medical centers in North Rhine-Westphalia. The 9,300 employees at UKD and its subsidiaries are committed to treating over 45,000 inpatients and 270,000 outpatients every year. The UKD stands for international excellence in patient care, research and teaching, as well as for innovative and safe diagnostics, therapy and prevention. Patients benefit from the intensive interdisciplinary cooperation between the 60 clinics and institutes. The particular strength of the University Hospital is the close integration of clinical and research work for the safe application of new methods. Tomorrows medicine is being created at the UKD. Every single day.

The Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases (Director: Professor Dr. T. Lüdde) is seeking, as of May 2026

3 Doctoral Candidates in the Natural Sciences (m/f/d) in the field of liver cancer research

Within the framework of the Research Unit FOR 5889 funded by the German Research Foundation (05/2026-04/2030), entitled “The Dynamic Regulation of Stage Transitions in Chronic Liver Disease by Cell Death and Alarm Signals”, we are looking for candidates for doctoral positions starting in May 2026.

As part of two third-party funded projects of FOR 5889, (funded as od 05/2026-04/2030), the candidates will conduct research on one of the following projects: Project P02: PI: Dr. A.T. Schneider; one open position; project title “Exploring the function of apoptotic effector caspases in stage transitions of hepatic diseases”. Project P08: PIs: Prof. Dr. J. Bode, Dr. C. Angendohr; two open positions; project title “Role of stress response kinases in regulating cell death and the subsequent release and action of DAMPs in the pathogenesis of MASH”. The doctoral program is designed as a structured graduate training program and includes attractive advanced training modules at the interface of basic life sciences and clinical research, in addition to project-specific research work, with the opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.).

The positions are offered at 65% part-time employment, with the salary level according to the German public service pay scale for the federal states (TV-L E13). The positions are limited to a duration of four years. Employment will be in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG, § 2 para. 2).

What you offer

We are searching for highly motivated doctoral candidates (m/f/d) who have completed an excellent university degree (Diplom, Masters degree, or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, human biology/molecular medicine, veterinary medicine, or a related life sciences discipline.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in cell biology and/or immunology, as well as a pronounced interest in cellular and molecular oncology, programmed cell death, and tumor immunology. Candidates should possess excellent written and spoken English skills and be willing to work with in vivo/mouse models. The ability to independently manage and further develop the research project, including the critical analysis of current scientific literature, as well as to contribute original scientific ideas is essential. Active participation in informal and scientific events within the research network is expected.

We appreciate enthusiasm for experimental research in a competitive international environment, excellent communication and teamwork skills, high motivation, and scientific curiosity, as well as an independent, structured working style and thorough documentation practices. Experience with molecular and cell biological methods and the willingness to contribute to project-related administrative tasks (e.g., coordination with internal administrative offices and external authorities) is desirable, as well as German language skills and basic skills in the programming language R.