PhD Researcher position (m/f/d)- in the field of cardiovascular medicine

Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) is the largest hospital in the state capital and one of the most important medical centers in North Rhine-Westphalia. The 9,300 employees at UKD and its subsidiaries are committed to treating over 45,000 inpatients and 270,000 outpatients every year. The UKD stands for international excellence in patient care, research, and teaching, as well as for innovative and safe diagnostics, therapy, and prevention. Patients benefit from the intensive interdisciplinary cooperation between the 60 clinics and institutes. The particular strength of the University Hospital is the close integration of clinical and research work for the safe application of new methods. Tomorrow's medicine is being created at the UKD, every day.

The Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine is looking for a temporary position from 01.03.2026 until 30.06.2027 for a PhD Researcher position (m/f/d) in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

The initial appointment will be for the duration of the project, with the option of extension. The position is subject to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG in accordance with Section 2 (2)).

In a cardiovascular project funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) included in the Transregio CRC 259, we aim to investigate the genesis and progression of aortic diseases such as aortic stenosis and/or aortic aneurysm. The project is based on murine techniques and investigations (Wire injury, Elastase model, functional analyses including echocardiography, Langendorff perfused heart model, and milliar catheter). Aortic stenosis or aneurysm are induced in order to identify and investigate potential therapeutic targets or to detect specific risk prediction markers. In collaboration with Cologne and Bonn as collaboration partners in CRC TR 259, there are also big animal models (porcine experiments) included. The project is financed until 30th June 2027. Continued funding is planned.

What you offer

We are searching for a motivated and encouraged applicant with good English (German desirable) and a M.Sc. degree in natural sciences or a related field. We appreciate experience in murine experiments with knowledge in functional cardiac analyses such as murine echocardiography, Langendorff perfused heart model, or wire injury models. Additional experience in molecular biology skills is desirable. The applicant will be responsible for the named research project funded by TR CRC 259.

What we provide

We offer a young and growing working group in the field of cardiovascular medicine with a specific focus on structural heart disease, platelet function, cardiometabolism, and gender studies. Our group is included in the Department of Cardiology, Pneumology, and Vascular Medicine and is completely integrated into the Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf (CARID). Our group consists of clinicians, medical doctoral students, and PhD students from different backgrounds. National and international partners offer close collaboration in the projects and enable intensive exchange in the projects. The Cardiovascular Research Laboratory is modern and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies including flow cytometry, PCR analyses, advanced imaging techniques, as well as murine cardio-circulatory investigation systems. The applicant will be able to develop her/his career and will benefit from the motivated spirit of a growing young working group. She/He will find ideal conditions for close interdisciplinary interaction and scientific growth.

The position is evaluated according to TVöD E13 65% for PhD Position.

The employment contract is concluded with Heinrich Heine University. Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf aims to increase the proportion of women. Applications from women with equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance will therefore be given preferential consideration, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor outweigh this. The application of suitable severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities according to SGB IX is welcome.

Applications should be written in English and should include:

• Letter of intent (please state clearly what motivates you to apply for this position and what you believe you can bring to our research group)
• Curriculum vitae
• Attached university diploma
• Brief summary of research experience and practical lab skills
• List of referees

By sending the application documents, the applicant agrees that these become the property of the University Hospital Düsseldorf and will not be returned for reasons of cost.