PhD Student/ Research Assistant (f/m/d) in Molecular Andrology

At the UKE, we are convinced that successful and fulfilling work should be harmonised with the personal needs and individual life plans of all employees. Together we can make this possible.

Every day a little more. Every day a little better.

What to expect

We are the UKE – the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf [Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf]. A pulsating centre of health in the heart of Hamburg. When you are surrounded by that much energy and when progress sets the pace, no two days are the same. More than 14,400 employees with very different responsibilities are united by the same goal: ensuring health and well-being.

The focus of the Department of Andrology at the UKE is on the treatment of male patients whose wish to have children remains unfulfilled by natural means. We perform cryopreservation of male germ cells and testicular tissue for the purpose of fertility protection in advance of gonadotoxic treatment, for example in the case of a cancer therapy. Different methods of sperm cryopreservation and the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) were already developed in the 1990s in the Department of Andrology at the UKE.

Within the framework of a research project funded by the German Cancer Aid, the position of a research assistant (PhD student) is to be filled. On the topic “Fertility preservation in prepubertal boys with gonadotoxic therapy” experiments with focus on ex vivo organ culture and microfluidics are to be performed and a scientific PhD thesis is to be written. Furthermore, standard techniques of molecular and cell biology as well as computer programs for the analysis of microscope photographs will be applied. The range of tasks also includes the involvement in processes of the daily laboratory routine.

The position is to be filled with 65 percent of the regular weekly working time and is limited as a third-party funded project for 3 years

What we look forward to

• Applicants with a degree in biology or comparable course of study
• Very good knowledge of German and/or English
• High motivation, team-oriented and independent work (including weekend work for feeding cell and tissue culture)
• Interest in experiments on ex vivo organ culture (prior knowledge of cell culture is an advantage)
• Computer technical skills and experience with programs for automatic image analysis (e.g. for cell counting) are also an Advantage

What we can offer

• Regular pay according to TVöD/VKA; attractive company pension plan and various employee discounts
• 30 days of vacation; possibility of special leave
• Central location: Our clinic is centrally located at the beautiful Eppendorfer Park
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the HVV-ProfiTicket and Dr. Bike bicycle service; option to lease a service bike
• Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful activity, appreciative interaction and open exchange of knowledge within the team; structured induction training
• Opportunity to actively shape and develop the working environment within the framework of our employee program (UKE INside).
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, prevention and sports offers
• Healthy and varied lunch break: In addition to our canteen, there is a rich selection of culinary offerings just a few steps away, for example the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros, as well as other snack bars, bakers, a supermarket, etc.