Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (f/m/x) – Proteostasis and Secretory Pathway Regulation

We are looking to support our rapidly growing team starting October 1, 2026:

Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (f/m/x) – Proteostasis and Secretory Pathway Regulation

Biochemie - Institut für Biochemie II

TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%)

Fixed-term employment for 36 months under the German Academic FixedTerm Contract Act (WissZeitVG) for the purpose of pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD)

Your salary will be based on TV-L EG 13

Your tasks

Your future with us

Join our research team to investigate how cells maintain membrane protein homeostasis under conditions of stress and disease. The project combines cutting-edge cell biology, quantitative proteomics, advanced imaging, and genome engineering approaches to uncover novel mechanisms controlling secretion and protein quality control.

The successful candidate will investigate how the rhomboid intramembrane protease RHBDL4 and associated E3 ubiquitin ligases integrate cellular stress signals to regulate membrane protein homeostasis and secretory pathway capacity. Using human cell culture models and state-of-the-art biochemical, proteomic, genetic, and imaging techniques, the project aims to uncover how cells prevent the accumulation of defective membrane proteins and adapt their secretory capacity under proteotoxic stress conditions.

The candidate will analyze and present experimental data, contribute to scientific publications, and develop an independent research project within a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment.

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. Thats why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

Cologne provides one of Europes leading environments for research on cellular stress responses, proteostasis, and aging-associated disease. The University of Cologne is one of the largest and oldest universities in Germany. Its broad spectrum of disciplines, internationally visible research profile, and central location make it an attractive destination for students and researchers from around the world.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate holding a Masters degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, or a related discipline. Prior experience in mammalian cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology, or biochemical methods will be considered an advantage.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong interest in cell biology and protein homeostasis, excellent communication skills, and enthusiasm for working in an international and collaborative research environment.

Our offer

Strong mentorship and support towards the development into an independent scientist An excellent and international biomedical research environment A supportive, collaborative, and friendly atmosphere Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and interdisciplinary collaborations Salary according to the German salary scale TV-L in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG) The position is initially offered for 3 years, with the possibility of extension

The Center for Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne comprises twelve research groups with a strong focus on modern molecular and cellular biomedicine. The center provides a vibrant and highly interactive scientific environment with close links to the Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in AgingAssociated Diseases (CECAD), the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), and multiple advanced core facilities.