The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is a maximum care hospital with more than 1,300 beds. Our more than 9,000 employees take on tasks in research, teaching and patient care as well as in public health at the highest level. In the science ranking (LOMV) and in the economic result, the UKB is number 1 of the university hospitals in NRW and in 2021 had the third highest case mix index of the university hospitals in Germany.

The following 65% part-time position is to be filled by September 1st 2025 in the research group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University Hospital Bonn:

PhD Candidate (m/f/d)

Due to third party funding, the position is limited to 2 years due the project. Additional 2 years will be covered by a partner institution.

Our research focuses on understanding the intricate links between stress, proteostasis, and cellular function, aiming to identify promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Taking a multidisciplinary and translational approach, we combine cell models, animal experiments, and human studies with protein biochemistry, pharmacology (e.g. autophagy induction, GLP-1 agonists), and advanced multi-omics techniques.

The offered project aims to unravel the interplay between metabolic and psychiatric phenotypes by establishing cellular autophagy as a central mechanism linking bi-directional brain-body interactions in stress-related disorders. Analyses of the autophagic pathway along with plasma proteomics and metabolomic polyamine profiling will be performed from human and murine samples.

• Conduct experimental research using advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and engage in scientific discussions
• Present findings at conferences and contribute to high-impact publications
• Assist in teaching and mentoring students in the research group

• Master's degree in a relevant field, e.g., Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry
• Strong background in cell signaling, proteostasis, and autophagy mechanisms
• Familiarity with statistical methods, data analysis, and omics data interpretation
• Highly motivated, curious, and eager to contribute to scientific advancements
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written

• Responsible and versatile: a job with a lot of creative freedom in a collegial team
• Secure in the future: fee according to TV-L EG13
• Flexible for families: flexible working time models, the option of a place in the company day-care center and offers for those returning from parental leave
• Provision for later: company pension scheme
• Clever to work: possibility of an interest-free loan to buy an e-bike
• Tailor-made education: subsidized further education and training
• Systematic start: structured induction
• Healthy at work: numerous health promotion offers, free membership in UKBfit
• Employer benefits: preferential offers for employees (corporate benefits)

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We therefore urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

Do you meet our requirements and are you looking for a varied and challenging job? Do not hesitate and send your detailed application (preferably by e-mail in one file up to 5 MB in size) by June 18th 2025, stating the job advertisement number ST-23056 to:

Patricia Schikorra
RG Neurohomeostasis
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
E-Mail: