UKE – Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Hiring for Doktorand (w/m/d) Job at Hamburg Full Time

Das macht die Position aus

We are the UKE – the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf [Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf]. A pulsating centre of health in the heart of Hamburg. When you are surrounded by that much energy and when progress sets the pace, no two days are the same. More than 14,100 employees with very different responsibilities are united by the same goal: ensuring health and well-being.

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate for our group focusing on kidney research using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. The position is funded by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung for 3 years (E13 65% TVöD). A large variety of different methods and tools including immunohistochemistry, omics analysis including bioinformatics, FACS and functional Drosophila read-outs will be used to address our research questions. We are working closely together with the other groups of the Nephrology Department, thereby enabling exchange of expertise, methods and tools. Project supervision and mentoring will be done by a biologist with expertise in kidney and Drosophila research. The group will meet weekly to discuss projects and progress.

You will be part of a project addressing key questions in the field of kidney research. The Drosophila kidney consists out of the Malpighian tubules and nephrocytes, the latter representing the homologue cells to mammalian kidney podocytes, rendering Drosophila as an ideal model system. In this project, we will focus on cell-cell communication between nephrocytes and immune cells and the functional role of nephrocytes during the immune response in Drosophila. In this context we are particularly interested in cellular crosstalk via circulating factors between nephrocytes and macrophages. Our goal is to unravel whether nephrocytes exhibit an immune-modulatory function and if nephrocytes might act as specialized immune cells. The findings we obtain within this project will not only deepen our understanding about nephrocytes and their impact on the immune response, but might also help to identify cellular crosstalk mechanisms between nephrocytes and macrophages which in turn is crucial for the development of novel therapeutics in the future.

Darauf freuen wir uns

• MSc Degree or equivalent in Biology or a related field
• Interest in molecular, histological and bioinformatic methods and analysis
• Highly motivated with an interest to work in an interdisciplinary team spanning biology and medicine
• Experience with Drosophila melanogaster preferred
• Fluent in written and spoken English

Das bieten wir

• Regular pay according to TVöD/VKA; attractive company pension plan and various employee discounts
• 30 days of vacation; possibility of special leave
• Central location: Our clinic is centrally located at the beautiful Eppendorfer Park
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the HVV-ProfiTicket and Dr. Bike bicycle service; option to lease a service bike
• Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful activity, appreciative interaction and open exchange of knowledge within the team; structured induction training
• Opportunity to actively shape and develop the working environment within the framework of our employee program (UKE INside).
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, prevention and sports offers
• Healthy and varied lunch break: In addition to our canteen, there is a rich selection of culinary offerings just a few steps away, for example the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros, as well as other snack bars, bakers, a supermarket, etc.