PhD position in molecular neurosciences and pain research (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 28/05/2025

The University Hospital Würzburg will offer from 1st July, 2025, or later a PhD position in molecular neurosciences and pain research (m/f/d). The position is limited to 4 years. The salary is based on TV-L. 

The clinical research group KFO5001 ResolvePAIN of the German Research Foundation (DFG) is starting the second funding period. It is conducted by clinical and basic scientists from the University Hospital Würzburg, University of Leipzig, and Charité. 

Resolution of and recovery from neuropathic pain depend on mechanisms such as resolution of inflammation, synaptic reorganization, and restoration of neuronal pathways. In ResolvePAIN, we aim to investigate recovery patterns and mechanisms of pain resolution in the peripheral somatosensory and in connection with the central nervous system. We will utilize a combined translational approach involving clinical, preclinical, and basic sciences as well as studies on CNS control over the peripheral processes (https://www.ukw.de/en/clinical-research-unit-kfo-5001/homepage/). 

You will find a highly ambitious team. Open communication culture is what sets us apart. You will be associated with the doctoral program of the Gradual School of Life Sciences (https://www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/life-sciences/startseite/). The programme is characterised by structured onboarding at an excellently equipped workplace and jointly developed milestones and career paths. In addition to a specialised training programme, you can expect skills training and opportunities for co-determination.

As a family-friendly research group, part-time work and working from home as well as support in caring for children or relatives are a matter of course for us. If necessary, we will support you in finding accommodation and childcare. 

The PhD student will work on a project in skin and presynaptic spinal cord plasticity of nociceptors based on targets found a Drosophila screening assay (DOI: 10.7554/eLife.56738; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38575-6). The project employs high resolution imaging (super-resolution, confocal) and machine learning-based analyses to explore skin and spinal cord plasticity in chemotherapy-induced and traumatic neuropathy. Besides imaging, genetically modified mice, cell biological, biochemical and molecular biology approaches in pain research will be employed.

Do you fit to us?

You are an enthusiastic and committed scientist with a Master in e.g., Neurosciences, Biomedicine, Biology, Biochemistry. You have completed your studies with excellent grades and research experience in molecular neurosciences and preferably animal experiments. You thrive in international teams and translational research and are also interested to learn German. We expect you to work independently with a lively commitment within the KFO5001.

We look forward to receiving your application!

We would like to get to know you! Further information can be obtained by Prof. Dr. Heike Rittner (Phone: 0931 201 30557 or by email). 

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