Frankfurt am Main: Research Associate / PhD Student – Department of Nephrologie + Else Kroener-Fresenius Center

Our Department of Nephrology and the Else Kroener-Fresenius Center (EKFZ) provide excellent facilities to conduct interdisciplinary research in the field of Nephrology and Cardiovascular biology. We offer an attractive surrounding for modern science in molecular medicine, systems biology and data science.

The PhD project is embedded in a translational research program aiming to understand how the hematopoietic system connects aging, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Using single-cell and spatial omics as well as large population-based datasets, the project will identify molecular and cellular mechanisms driving age-related inflammatory complications in cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

Your Role:

• Investigate mechanisms of multicellular communication in vitro and in vivo during aging
• Understand how these interactions influence vascular function
• Explore connections between vascular aging, cardiovascular disease, and renal health
• Processing, quality control and analysis of scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq and spatial transcriptomics datasets
• Collaboration with experimental and clinical researchers to define hypotheses and interpret results in a biological and clinical context
• Presentation of results within the working group, at seminars and international conferences
• Writing of a PhD thesis and contribution to scientific publications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry or a related field
• Strong foundation in experimental techniques and a keen interest in molecular biology and human disease mechanism, ideally in cardiovascular and/or kidney disease and immunology are highly desirable
• Background in computational biology is a plus
• Basic understanding of statistics
• Willingness to learn new molecular methods in vitro and in vivo as well as tools in computational biology
• Very good communication skills in English;German is an advantage but not required
• High motivation, ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

• In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement (TV-G-U) with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• Internal and external training for your professional development
• Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
• We offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
• Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
• Insights: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
• FAQs for new employees

Contact: Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dr. sc. Nat. Thimoteus Speer, Director Med. Clinic 4
Email: speer@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Application Deadline: 28.04.2026
We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore, applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.