Summary
The DFG Research Training Group (Graduiertenkolleg) 2606 “ProtPath” (Understanding Protease Functions in Cellular Pathways through Discovery and Analysis of Protease Substrates) at the University of Freiburg and its Medical Center is offering fully funded doctoral researcher positions. ProtPath is an interdisciplinary research network dedicated to investigating proteases, their substrates, and their functions in biology and medicine using cutting-edge biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and proteomics methodologies.
Doctoral Researcher Positions in Protease Research (m/f/d) – DFG Research Training Group 2606 (ProtPath)
Designation
- Position Title: Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (m/f/d)
- Contract Duration: 3 Years (Fixed-Term)
- Remuneration / Pay Scale: TV-L E13 (65%)
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg & University Medical Center Freiburg |
| Research Training Group | RTG / GRK 2606 ProtPath (Funded by the DFG) |
| Position Level | Doctoral Researcher / PhD Position (m/f/d) |
| Funding / Salary | TV-L E13 (65% part-time contract) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Starting Date | January 2027 (Projects P2, P9) / March 2027 (Projects P1, P4) |
| Location | Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany |
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
Research Area
Protease Biology, Cellular Pathways, Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, Proteomics, Radiopharmacy, and Oncology.
Available Research Projects:
- P1 (Prof. Dr. Matthias Eder): Targeting of cancer-associated proteases: Novel theranostic radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Focuses on identifying and radionuclide-targeting PDAC-specific proteases located on tumor and stromal cells using mRNA profiling, proteome analyses, and peptide/inhibitor design. (Start: March 2027)
- P2 (Dr. Ruth Geiss-Friedlander): Investigating DPP9 regulation, substrate recognition, and non-catalytic functions. Focuses on molecular cell biology, biochemistry, and protein interaction networks to understand how the intracellular protease DPP9 is regulated and interacts with substrates. (Start: January 2027)
- P4 (Prof. Dr. Georg Häcker): Determine the role of sub-lethal caspase-activity in primary cells. Focuses on substrate identification of effector caspases in non-apoptotic cells and evaluating the biological role of sub-lethal caspase activity in mammalian cell regulation and signaling. (Start: March 2027)
- P9 (Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinheckel): Function and substrates of aminopeptidases during myelopoiesis. Focuses on exploring differentiation defects in murine hematopoietic stem cells to bone marrow-derived macrophages using proteomics, single-cell technologies, and genetic models. (Start: January 2027)
Location
Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg & Medical Center – University of Freiburg
Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research
Stefan-Meier-Straße 17, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.) or equivalent degree in Life Sciences (Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology, or a related field).
- Motivation: High commitment to basic and translational research.
- Language Proficiency: Strong command of English (proven via recognized test or German Abitur).
- Open to: Candidates of all nationalities.
Scholarship / Position Description
- Full Research & Training Program: Comprehensive PhD training in an international, highly collaborative scientific network across departments of Freiburg University and the Medical Center.
- Career Development: Structured mentoring designed to prepare graduates for independent research careers in academia, biotechnology, and industry.
- Employment Conditions: Standard German public sector collective agreement (TV-L E13, 65%) providing full social security and health insurance coverage.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the University Medical Center Freiburg career portal.
Required Application Documents (merged into a single PDF):
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and personal contact details.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts (or equivalent).
- University entrance qualification certificate and transcript (e.g., High School Diploma / Abitur).
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation.
- Letter of Motivation stating your research interests, your primary choice of project (P1, P2, P4, or P9), and a secondary project preference.
- Application Portal: University Medical Center Freiburg Online Application
- Program Information: ProtPath RTG 2606 Website
- Contact Person: Dr. Susanne Elfert, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg.
Last Date for Apply
📅 October 15, 2026
