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We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible:

PhD Student Positions (f/m/x) in STEM-CORE training network

Augenklinik

TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100%)

limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Third-party funded project)
Your salary will be based on TV-L / TV-Ä

TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100%)

limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Third-party funded project)
Your salary will be based on TV-L / TV-Ä

Your tasks

  • As part of the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding programme, the STEM-CORE (Stem Cell Therapy Development for Corneal Epithelium Regeneration) project—based at the Centre for Ophthalmology at the University Hospital of Cologne, is offering two PhD studentships. These positions are expected to begin in January 2026 and will run for three years.
  • To meet the growing demand for skilled researchers in ocular stem cell science, the EU-wide STEM-CORE consortium will offer comprehensive training to prepare the next generation of biomedical scientists. The programme is designed to equip participants with a broad skill set essential for innovation and successful careers in ocular regenerative medicine and related disciplines.
  • STEM-CORE’s overarching goal is to develop stem cells for transplantation that match the regenerative capacity of native limbal stem cells, the population responsible for maintaining the corneal epithelium. This advancement aims to offer effective treatments for various forms of limbal stem cell deficiency, a condition that can otherwise lead to blindness. Specifically, the consortium seeks to generate and characterise robust human induced limbal stem cells, laying the foundation for accessible, sustainable cell therapies to combat corneal blindness caused by stem cell loss.

Your profile

  • Strong motivation, curiosity, and creativity, with a proven ability to solve problems through critical and analytical thinking
  • Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and a
    collaborative mindset
  • A Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedicine, Neuroscience, or a related field

Our offer

  • Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
  • Work-life balance: Whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support options, we will find the right path together.
  • Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
  • Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.
 

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

Our Center is a unique multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to corneal biology and immunology, focusing on the discovery and development of novel therapies for ocular diseases with the goal of clinical transplantation in the near future.
As part of Horizon Europe, the MSCAs represent the European Union’s flagship programme for doctoral training. They play a key role in strengthening European research and innovation capacities by investing in the long-term careers of outstanding researchers.
This exceptional environment offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary training within a well-structured international network. The STEM-CORE project, involving ten academic partners across nine EU countries, pursues two primary objectives: to foster the development of young scientists and to advance new, safe therapeutic approaches using human-induced pluripotent stem cells for treating blinding ocular stem cell
diseases.
Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The position is suitable for staffing with part-time employees.

Contact

Robin Pilger
Tel: +49 221 478-85632

 
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Uniklinik Köln Karriere

Application deadline: 05.10.2025

Job-ID: xra0vkmt

apply now
We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!