The Clinic for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Internal Intensive Care Medicine (Med. Clinic III) AG Professor Dr. Pavel Strnad/Dr. hum. biol. Nurdan Güldiken (Med. Clinic III) is looking for a
Doctoral candidate (f/m/d)
Operational area: Clinic for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Internal Intensive Care Medicine (Med. Clinic III) -AG Professor Dr. Pavel Strnad/Dr. hum. biol. Nurdan Güldiken-
Working hours: Part-time 65% (currently 25,3 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment: initially limited to 3 years in accordance with the WissZeitVG. The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree.
Start date: as soon as possible
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)
Are you interested in uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial integrity and organ injury in the esophagus and lung? Join our research team with strong expertise in cell and tissue biology, organ pathophysiology, and translational biomedical research.
Project: PhD Opportunities: Desmoplakin-Related Epithelial and Pulmonary Biology
- Investigate the role of desmoplakin (DSP) in maintaining epithelial barrier function in the esophagus and lung tissue
- Analyse how alterations in DSP expression, desmosomal structures, and cell-cell adhesion mechanisms contribute to diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis, lung injury, or fibrosis
- Study human tissue samples, cell culture models (epithelial cell lines and possibly 3D cultures)
- Perform omics-based approaches (RNA-seq, proteomics), and functional assays (e.g., transepithelial resistance, cell migration, and adhesion studies).
- The overall goal is to increase our understanding of DSP biology in the esophagus and lung and thereby to pave the way for new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies
Why choose us?
We offer…
- 30 days of vacation
- A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
- An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
- Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading
- Access to public transport
- In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
- Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
- An onboarding app for new employees
- Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant
Tasks
- Independent development and advancement of own research project
- Active contribution to ongoing research initiatives
- Support in the education and supervision of students
- Preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts
Profile:
- Master's degree in Life Sciences or related field
- Background in biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related disciplines
- Experience in basic and translational research
- Experience with model organisms and bioinformatics tools is welcome
- Ability to independently drive research projects
- Proficiency in English, with strong communication and leadership skills (Level C1)
Application:
The application deadline for the advertised position GB-P-53604 is 12.12.2025.
Contact:
University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Internal Intensive Care Medicine (Med. Clinic III) -AG Prof. Dr. med. Pavel Strnad/ Dr. hum. biol. Nurdan Güldiken, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. hum. biol. Nurdan Güldiken
E-Mail: ngueldiken@ukaachen.de
Phone: +49 (0)241 80 80662
We look forward to receiving your application!
This job advertisement is aimed at all genders.
The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are expressly sought and, in accordance with relevant laws, will be treated preferentially.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and they will be given priority if they are equally suitable.
Employment at a fraction less than the weekly full-time working hours stated above is generally possible.
It is preferable to use our digital application portal at www.karriere.ukaachen.de to apply. The portal allows you to upload your documents to an electronic application folder, which is protected from unauthorized access. Applications received by email are transferred to our application portal and then deleted in accordance with data protection regulations. (Transmission by email is usually inadequately protected.) If you do not agree to the transfer of your data to our portal, we unfortunately cannot consider your application. The data in the portal will be deleted after the retention period has expired.
