PhD (m/w/d) AG Hammer

The University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) with its locations in Kiel and Lübeck is one of the largest medical care centers in Europe. It serves to warrant maximum medical care in the northernmost federal state and guarantees medical-technical care at the highest level, especially for patients who require highly differentiated diagnosis and therapy. The unique feature of university medicine is the interaction of health care, research and teaching with the result that scientific findings flow directly into the health system.

Our research group aims to uncover the functions of human innate and innate-like lymphocytes are regulated, particularly during infections and inflammatory diseases. Our work focuses on delineating the molecular signals that instruct the activation of natural killer cells and subsets of T cells (previous work includes Hammer et al., Nat Immunol 2018; Hammer et al. Cell Rep 2022; Hammer et al. Cell Stem Cell 2024; Bilev et al. PLoS Path 2024).

To explore fundamental mechanisms of innate and innate-like immune recognition, we combine innovative cellular assays with cutting-edge methodologies, such as multi-dimensional flow cytometry, RNA and TCR sequencing, genetic engineering, in vitro virus models, and in silico predictions.

As a doctoral researcher in our team, you will drive innovative research projects at the interface of basic molecular immunology and inflammatory diseases. Building on extensive previous work in our group, you will study how germline-encoded immune receptors distinguish between self and non-self at the molecular level, and how this recognition controls immune responses.

To achieve your research goals, you will learn and employ a broad methodological toolset, in which our group has strong expertise, including isolation of immune cells from human blood and tissue, cell culture assays, advanced flow cytometry, and a variety of molecular biological as well as sequencing approaches.

You will work in a collaborative environment and benefit from the expertise of our team. In addition to receiving substantial training in state-of-the-art biomedical research, you will have opportunities to develop complementary skills to support both your professional and personal growth.

Start in our team:

Join our dynamic team in Kiel as doctoral researcher with an initial 3-year contract with the opportunity of extension. We are looking forward to welcoming you as soon as possible as part of our team with all your skills and commitment.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, depending on your qualifications, according to level E13 TV-L (65%), according to the German salary scale
• A half time position with 25 hours/week
• A highly interesting and scientifically engaging project that is based on extensive previous work and conducted in a vivid environment full of expertise and curiosity
• An international, cooperative, and motivated team that employs cutting-edge technological platforms, which are available at the Institute for Immunology
• Opportunities to closely collaborate with international partners, including research exchanges with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden

What you can expect:

• An inspiring research environment to investigate fascinating fundamental immune processes with direct relevance for immune-related diseases
• Systematic and in-depth training to work independently in a challenging and diversified research field
• An extensive pool of cutting-edge biomedical methods to address complex scientific questions
• Opportunities to acquire transferrable skills and support in developing your career

What you bring with you: 

• Successfully completed university degree (M.Sc.) in biochemistry, biomedicine, medical life sciences, molecular biology, or a related field
• Extraordinary scientific drive, strong professional spirit, and a keen interest to learn and master sophisticated methodical workflows to address complex scientific questions
• Exceptional organizational talent, responsibility, and interpersonal skills, along with a commitment to continuous professional development
• Strong scientific communication skills in English and the ability to work as a team player in an international research group
• Previous expertise in cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular biology will be considered assets and experience with human biomaterials is advantageous

We look forward to receiving your application (A detailed CV, a short motivation letter describing your research and career interests, copies of school and university certificates, and contact details for two references) by 2nd Novmber 2025, quoting reference number 27187.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Quirin Hammer 

E-Mail: quirin.hammer@uksh.de

Tel.: 0431-500 31050

Website: https://immunologie-kiel.de/en/research-groups/innate-immune-recognition/

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/quirin-hammer.