Summary
The Graduate Programme RNAmed is announcing an additional call for its second cohort, offering 6 PhD positions (4 years). The program is seeking an international group of students eager to advance precision medicine and targeted molecular therapies in the rapidly growing field of RNA-based medicine.
Participating Supervisors & Universities
| Supervisor | University/Institution | Note |
| Professor Jörg Vogel | University of Würzburg | |
| Professor Cynthia Sharma | University of Würzburg | |
| Professor Claudia Höbartner | University of Würzburg | |
| Professor Utz Fischer | University of Würzburg | |
| Professor Selim Corbacioglu | University Hospital Regensburg | |
| Professor Andrea Rentmeister | LMU Munich | Particularly looking for applicants with a strong background in biochemistry (RNA biochemistry). |
Subject Area
Life Sciences, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and related disciplines (focusing on RNA modification and delivery, CRISPR-Cas systems, microRNAs, non-coding RNA, RNA biology of infections, and RNA chemistry).
Location
Würzburg, Munich, or Regensburg (Germany).
Eligibility
- Open to outstanding students of all nationalities.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (with top grades) or equivalent in the life sciences, chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
- The participating universities aim to increase the proportion of female employees, and applications from qualified women are particularly welcome.
- Preference will be given to handicapped persons in the case of otherwise equal aptitude.
Scholarship Description
Launched in 2022 and funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB), RNAmed brings together a diverse consortium of world-leading scientists. The program takes a holistic approach to equipping doctoral students with the skills necessary for a career in RNA-based medicine, featuring an international spirit, active networking, extracurricular activities, and pharmaceutical translation.
- Funding: Salary will be based on the pay scale for the public sector in Germany (TV-L).
- Start Date: Successful candidates will begin their PhD projects in January 2027 (later starting dates are negotiable).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English, preferably by email, as one single PDF file to:
med-rnamed@uni-wuerzburg.de
Please include the following in your application:
- Cover letter: Indicate your motivation for RNAmed, specify which two of the listed research groups you prefer, and explain why. If applicable, clearly state any severe disabilities.
- CV
- Contact information of two academic reference persons.
- Relevant certificates
- List of publications (if applicable)
Informal inquiries regarding the positions may be directed to the programme speaker, Prof. Jörg Vogel (joerg.vogel@uni-wuerzburg.de).
Last Date
September 17, 2026
