PhD and Postdoctoral Positions

Application deadline: 31/01/2026Call for Applications: PhD and Postdoctoral Positions Collaborative Research Center (SFB) DEFINE University Hospital Würzburg/University Würzburg, GermanyThe 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.We offerPhD PositionsA fully funded position according to DFG/TV-L guidelinesAccess to state-of-the-art research facilities at the University and University Hospital WürzburgStructured doctoral training within the Graduate School and SFB DEFINEA highly collaborative, international research environmentClose exchange with researchers from Marburg and Munich being part of this CRCPostdoctoral ResearcherA competitive salary according to TV-L regulationsOpportunities to lead your own subprojects and develop independent research ideasExcellent scientific infrastructure and support for career developmentIntegration into a dynamic research network with national and international partnershipsYour TasksApplicants 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 WürzburgResearch Area A – Desmosome Function and Immune Regulation in Simple and Stratified EpitheliaProjects 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 InflammationProjects 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.Your ProfilePhD PositionsMaster\'s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or related disciplinesInterest in mechanistic and translational biomedical researchRelevant laboratory or computational experience related to the chosen subprojectExcellent communication skills and proficiency in EnglishPostdoctoral ResearcherCompleted PhD in life sciences, medicine, bioinformatics, biophysics, systems biology or related fieldStrong publication record demonstrating independence and creativityExpertise relevant to a DEFINE research focus (e.g., molecular biology, imaging, immunology, computational biology)Experience mentoring students and strong teamwork skillsApplication ProcessCover letter (including preferred subproject(s))Curriculum vitaeCopies of degrees and transcriptsContact details of 2–3 academic referees(Postdoc only) List of publications and brief research statementThis is what you can look forward toChallenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibilityAttractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special paymentTraining and Continuing EducationRetirement Pension PlanCompany daycare center with extended opening hoursCompany sports programFlexible Working HoursJobBikeCorporate BenefitsBecome part of the team: Apply nowUniv.- Prof. Dr. med. Nicolas SchlegelLeitung des Lehrstuhls für Experimentelle ViszeralchirurgieTel: 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.