Job Offers

The Nanoscale Bacteriology Lab, led by Dr. Christoph Spahn, is looking for a PostDoc to study the intracellular organization of intracellular pathogens during infection.

Our research focusses on understanding the subcellular organization of bacteria and their response to antimicrobial compounds. We combine super-resolution microscopy (Spahn et al., 2018), drug treatments (Spahn et al., 2025) artificial intelligence (Spahn et al., 2022) and biochemical approaches to understand both fundamental concepts of bacterial cell biology and antibiotic action. Recently, we started to investigate how secretion alters the intracellular organization of pathogens (Ermoli et al., 2025).

In the advertised position, the successful candidate will investigate bacterial secretion during host-pathogen interaction. We will employ a combinatorial approach using live-cell imaging, multicolor super-resolution microscopy and genetics to gain fundamental knowledge about the dynamics of effector protein secretion and the effect on both host cells and pathogens.

Qualification profile:

As a PostDoc applicant, you have completed a PhD in life sciences or related fields.

Essential qualifications

• Enthusiasm for science/basic research
• A strong background in the field of life sciences
• Experience in infection biology and/or molecular biology of bacterial pathogens
• Experience in bacterial and mammalian cell culture
• Experience in advanced microscopy and image analysis
• Curiosity to learn new techniques and explore novel ground
• Excellent team spirit and willingness to teach students
• Fluent English

Optional qualifications

• Experience in programming or with AI
• Experience in biochemistry

What we offer:

At Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, more than 30,000 people from over 100 countries come together to study, research, teach and work. As a central institution of the University, the Rudolf Virchow Center is a modern research center with more than 100 international scientists investigating the molecular causes of health and disease. It has been established as a unique institution for translational bioimaging combining all existing imaging core structures and microscopy facilities.

The Rudolf Virchow Center is a highly competitive international research institute with an outstanding infrastructure. We have in-house access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and to an extensive range of modern biophysical and cell biological equipment. We are integrated into a stimulating cross-disciplinary environment that includes our partners at the Biocenter, the physics department, the Max Planck Research Group in Systems Immunology, the Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) and the University Hospital in Würzburg.

Würzburg is located in the beautiful, wine-growing area of Franconia, in proximity of Frankfurt (1 hour by train) and Munich (2 hours). We have a lot of sun and many festivals in the summer, as well as impressive historical buildings and recreative nature.

The salary is commensurate with training and experience according to Collective Agreement for the Public Service of German Federal States TV-L (100%).

You will have access to both national and public-service pension schemes (VBL), health care, and are entitled to 30 days of holiday in addition to 13 annual public holidays in Bavaria. Our Welcome Center supports international candidates in finding accommodation as well as in administrative matters - and the University of Würzburg offers support for researchers with children, including flexible working hours and childcare.

The position is secured until end of 2028.

Interested?

Applications including a cover letter, a detailed CV (2 pages max), a short summary of past research projects with publications (3 pages max), copies of certificates, and the contact information of two referees, should be sent via email as a single pdf file (not exceeding 10 MB). Applications will be screened continuously until the position is filled.

The University of Würzburg is an equal opportunity employer. As such, we explicitly encourage applications from qualified women.

Please send your application to:   

Christoph.spahn@uni-wuerzburg.de with Cc to Inka.robinson@uni-wuerzburg.de

If you want to know more about the individual project and/or have further questions about the position, please contact me via the mail above.

Technische Assistentin bzw. Technischer Assistent (w/m/d)

in der Arbeitsgruppe Girbl als Mutterschutz- und voraussichtlicher Elternzeitvertretung zunächst befristet für 2 Jahre zu besetzen. Die Stelle ist teilzeitfähig, sofern durch Jobsharing die ganztägige Wahrnehmung der Aufgaben gesichert ist.

Unsere Nachwuchsforschungsgruppe befasst sich mit den Mechanismen der Immunzellwanderung und der regulatorischen Bedeutung der Blutgefäßwand während Immunreaktionen. Dafür verwenden wir, Fluoreszenz-Mikroskopietechniken, Zellkulturen und Mausmodelle. In unserem jungen Team erwartet Sie eine abwechslungsreiche und interessante Tätigkeit und die Möglichkeit an wissenschaftlichen Projekten mitzuwirken.

Ihre Aufgaben:

• Sie sind für Materialbestellungen zuständig und helfen bei der Labororganisation.
• Auch die Produktion von Lösungen und Nährmedien stellen Sie sicher.
• Sie unterstützen uns bei der Zucht und Haltung von Versuchsmäusen (Dokumentation, Genotypisieren, Ansetzen von Kreuzungen).
• Des Weiteren helfen Sie mit bei der Verarbeitung biologischer Proben, Zellkultur und Antikörperfärbungen und Mikroskopie.

Ihr Profil:

• Sie haben eine abgeschlossene Ausbildung zur bzw. zum BTA oder MTLA (w/m/d) oder eine vergleichbare Qualifikation.
• Darüber hinaus zeichnen Sie sich durch Ihre selbständige und verantwortungsvolle Arbeitsweise und Organisationsgeschick aus und haben Freude an der Teamarbeit.
• Der Umgang mit gängigen EDV-Anwendungen ist Ihnen bestens vertraut (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Sie haben gute Englischkenntnisse.
• Erfahrung im Umgang mit Versuchstieren oder Mikroskopie sind von Vorteil.

Die Vergütung erfolgt nach TV-L. Die Universität strebt eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und fordert daher qualifizierte Frauen ausdrücklich zur Bewerbung auf. Bei im Wesentlichen gleicher Eignung, Befähigung und fachlicher Leistung werden schwerbehinderte Bewerberinnen bzw. Bewerber (w/m/d) bevorzugt eingestellt.

Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung!

Bitte schicken Sie Ihre aussagekräftigen Bewerbungsunterlagen mit Lebenslauf und möglichem Eintrittsdatum bis spätestens 31.01.2026 - bevorzugt per E-Mail in einem PDF-Dokument - an:

Dr. Tamara Girbl

Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum – Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging

Universität Würzburg

Josef-Schneider-Str. 2/Haus D15

D-97080 Würzburg

oder per E-Mail an: personal@virchow.uni-wuerzburg.de

Auskünfte werden ebenfalls unter dieser E-Mailadresse erteilt.

The Cluster for Nucleic Acid Sciences and Technologies (NUCLEATE) is offering a full-time

Cluster of Excellence Coordination Position (f/m/d)

The position is suitable for part-time work, provided that job sharing ensures that the tasks are performed on a full-time basis.

The Cluster for Nucleic Acid Research and Technologies (NUCLEATE) is a joint research network comprising the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), and the Technische Universität München (TUM). NUCLEATE unites outstanding nucleic acid research in all of its dimensions - from basic research to applications - and connects researchers across disciplines and locations, forming an internationally visible center. Prof. Cynthia Sharma (Institute of Molecular Infection Biology) and Prof. Caroline Kisker (Rudolf Virchow Center - Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging) are seeking a local coordinator to establish and coordinate the NUCLEATE Cluster of Excellence at the Würzburg site. The position offers a diverse and engaging range of tasks. We are looking for a candidate with experience and a keen interest in research strategy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and science management.

Your tasks:

• Playing a key role in establishing the cluster and supporting its long-term scientific and structural orientation
• Serving as a local interface between scientists, university administrations, funding agencies, and external partners
• Set up a NUCLEATE Academy and implementation of targeted development measures for young scientists
• Organization and implementation of scientific events (e.g. symposia, workshops, retreats)
• Coordination of financial processes, including accounting and budget management
• Ensuring efficient administrative processes in collaboration with the cluster offices in Munich
• Coordination of the preparation of scientific reports, strategic concepts, and funding-related documents
• Maintenance and further development of internal and external communication and information structures of the cluster (e.g. website, social media)

Your profile:

• PhD in life sciences, biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• Experience in coordinating or managing research projects, preferably in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments
• Experience with international research or as a postdoctoral researcher is advantageous
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach to work, as well as strong conceptual and strategic thinking
• Ability to efficiently organize and successfully implement complex and time-sensitive tasks, combined with a high degree of independence and team orientation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English, especially in scientific and administrative contexts

We offer:

• An attractive position in an internationally visible, interdisciplinary cluster of excellence
• A lively research environment with close cooperation between leading institutions and outstanding scientists
• Varied tasks at the intersection of research, strategy, and administration
• Opportunities for professional and personal development as well as access to targeted training programs
• A dynamic, team-oriented work environment with flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• Remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) with the standard public-sector benefits and company pension scheme (VBL)
• Modern workplace with good transport connections
• Extensive corporate benefits program, job ticket, and JobBike

This part-time or full-time position is based at JMU Würzburg (campus Grombühl) and reports to the cluster board. The position is initially limited to two years, but it may be extended up to a total of seven years, depending on available funds and performance. In cases of essentially equal suitability, qualifications, and professional performance, preference will be given to individuals with severe disabilities. The JMU strives to increase the proportion of women and therefore expressly welcomes applications from qualified women. We look forward to receiving your application documents (cover letter, resume, and references), preferably by email as a single PDF file, by January 31, 2026, to Teresa Frank (teresa.frank@uni-wuerzburg.de) or by mail to the following address:

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie, Lehrstuhl II
Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D15
97080 Würzburg
www.uni-wuerzburg.de/nucleate

This position is advertised in both English and German.

The newly established RTG 3190 at the Rudolf Virchow Center/University Hospital Würzburg invites applications for 11 Ph.D. student positions (f/m/d)
to investigate thrombo-inflammation in various disease settings.
­­

About the Research Training Group RTG 3190:
Thrombo-inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical pathomechanism in numerous severe disorders linked to infections, trauma, ischemia, or autoimmune issues, which currently have limited treatment options. Although targeting thromboinflammatory processes presents a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Specifically, the interaction of platelets with immune cells and the vessel wall through receptorligand interactions is central to these processes. The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 3190 aims to explore the function and regulation of platelet membrane receptors and their signaling pathways under thrombo-inflammatory conditions. Members of the RTG 3190 have established the concept of thrombo-inflammation and belong to the world-leading experts of platelet research. The RTG 3190 combines a wealth of expertise in megakaryocyte and platelet biology, clinical medicine, immunology, vascular biology, and advanced imaging technologies.

Role Description
As a Ph.D. student in RTG 3190, you will:

• Engage in high-impact research projects that dissect the molecular mechanisms of thrombo-inflammation.
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams of internationally renowned experts.
• Utilize cutting-edge imaging technologies and experimental approaches in megakaryocyte and platelet biology.

Your Qualifications

• A university degree (Diploma, MSc, or equivalent) in Life Sciences such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, or Medicine.
• Experience in experimental techniques relevant to the field is preferable.
• Strong interest in thrombo-inflammatory research and willingness to work with animal models and/or patient samples.
• Team player with self-initiative, creativity, and an independent and responsible work ethic.
• Excellent English language skills and computer literacy.
   

We Offer

• A stimulating research environment within the excellent infrastructure of the University Hospital and Rudolf-Virchow-Center.
• Enrollment in the international graduate program at the Graduate School of Life Sciences in Würzburg.
• Unique, interdisciplinary training program designed to nurture the next generation of scientists in cardiovascular research and therapy development.
• Comprehensive support for administrative and practical matters through the University’s Welcome Centre and International Office.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their completed application form, motivation letter, CV, transcript of records, and an English proficiency certificate. Detailed instructions for electronic submission can be found here
Fully funded positions are available starting May 1st and extend through the entire Ph.D. period. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience, following the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of German Federal States TVL (E13/65%). The University of Würzburg is committed to equal opportunity and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Severely handicapped applicants will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Applications must be received by January 16,2026.
We look forward to your application and the possibility of welcoming you to our team, where we are dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of thrombo-inflammation.