PhD Vacancy at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein | Apply Now
PhD vacancy opportunities in Germany are attracting global life science professionals, and this latest opening at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein offers an exciting chance for candidates passionate about microbiome research, molecular biology, and systems medicine. This microbiology job focuses on HKDC1-related microbiome-targeting research in colon cancer and provides hands-on experience in gnotobiotic mouse models, bioinformatics, gene expression analysis, and organoid culture within a highly collaborative research environment.
- Job Position: PhD Student (m/f/d) – Microbiome-targeting of HKDC1 in Colon Cancer
- Location: Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Application Deadline: June 23, 2026
- Reference number: 28577
About the University
PhD vacancy opportunities at University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein provide candidates with access to world-class biomedical research and innovation. The Institute of Experimental Medicine is focused on understanding the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases and microbiome-driven physiological adaptations using a holistic scientific approach. The institute is actively involved in several national and international research alliances, including:
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2167 “Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation”
- DFG Research Unit 5042 “miTarget – The Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases”
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Evolutionary Medicine of the Lung (EvoLUNG)
- Global Microbiome Conservancy
PhD Vacancy Description
PhD vacancy applications are invited for the research group “functional host-microbiome research,” which is seeking professional and competent support as early as possible. The initial contract is limited for three years with the intent to prolong. This microbiology job focuses on microbiome-targeting mechanisms of HKDC1 in colon cancer and includes interdisciplinary work involving microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and systems medicine. What the Institute Offers:
- Salary based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%) if collective bargaining conditions are fulfilled
- Part-time employment currently 25 hours/week
- Application of gnotobiotic mouse models
- Training possibilities in advanced microbiome, molecular, and bioinformatics technologies
- A stimulating and supportive academic environment with close supervision and mentoring
Qualifications Required
PhD vacancy applicants should possess the following qualifications and experience:
- A completed academic degree (Master or equivalent) in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, nutrition, or related areas
- Experience in at least some of the planned methodologies, including:
- In vivo mouse models
- Anaerobic bacterial culture
- Eukaryotic cell and organoid culture
- Microbiome or gene expression data analyses
- Basic understanding of command-line tools is advantageous (R and/or Python)
- Enthusiasm for microbiome research and systems medicine approaches
- Excellent English communication and writing skills
This microbiology job is ideal for candidates interested in advanced microbiome and translational biomedical research.
Key Responsibilities – PhD Vacancy
PhD vacancy candidates selected for this microbiology job will be responsible for:
- Performing interventional gnotobiotic mouse experiments
- Analysis of large-scale gene expression and microbiome data
- Conducting bioinformatic and experimental gene promoter analyses
- In vitro culturing of probiotic bacteria and eukaryotic cell lines or intestinal organoids
- Characterization of HKDC1-dependent metabolic and cellular processes
This job in Germany provides extensive exposure to translational microbiome and cancer research methodologies.


