Summary
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin invites applications for a PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (d/f/m) to join the research group of Prof. Marcus Mall. The position focuses on experimental investigations into cystic fibrosis pathophysiology and development of novel therapeutic strategies, embedded within the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1449 “Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces”. This part-time, fixed-term role offers structured doctoral supervision, access to the Charité PhD curriculum, and opportunities to present and publish research internationally.
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (d/f/m) – Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (d/f/m) – Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Cystic Fibrosis
Key Details
| Work time | Part-time (≈ 25 hours/week) |
|---|---|
| Start date | 01.01.2027 |
| Employment period | Limited — position linked to project duration (until 31.12.2029) |
| Application deadline | 31.10.2026 |
| Deployment location | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Wedding (Charité, Berlin) |
| Jobcode | 8363 |
| Salary group | E13 (TVöD VKA) |
Research Area
- Pediatric and adolescent medicine
- Pneumology
- Immunology
- Intensive care and emergency medicine
- Translational lung research, mucus hydrogel biophysics and therapeutic development
Eligibility / Qualification
- Completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine or a comparable field
- Solid knowledge and practical interest in airway physiology, cell and molecular biology, and disease mechanisms of chronic lung disease
- Practical experience with relevant laboratory methods (cell culture, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, sample processing) is highly desirable
- Willingness to work with animal models, including transgenic mouse models
- Very good written and spoken English
- High self-motivation, scientific curiosity, team spirit, and a structured, independent work style
Scholarship Description
This position offers a focused PhD opportunity within an interdisciplinary research environment at Charité. As part of Prof. Marcus Mall’s group and the SFB 1449 network, the successful candidate will investigate physiochemical and biophysical parameters of hydrogels at biological interfaces and test novel therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis using functional microscopy, biochemical and rheological methods, as well as cell and animal models.
Primary responsibilities include establishing and characterizing primary human cell cultures, processing biological samples, conducting experimental work on mucus hydrogels, preparing and publishing scientific results, and contributing to grant applications. The role includes structured doctoral supervision and the opportunity to enroll in the Charité PhD curriculum within the Berlin University Alliance.
Charité provides a supportive team environment, comprehensive training opportunities, a well-structured onboarding process, and family-friendly policies. The position is remunerated according to TVöD E13 and includes standard benefits such as 30 days annual leave.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted only via the Charité application portal for data protection reasons. Please submit your complete application by the deadline. For enquiries, contact the research group using the email below.
- Apply online: https://charite.hrpuls.de/de/job-offer-list/bewerbung/8363.html?lang=en
- Contact for questions: Dr. Nora Kofoed-Branzk and Dr. Nancy Freitag — paed-pneu-forschung@charite.de
Last Date for Apply
31 October 2026
Additional Notes
Charité is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications regardless of age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or social background. Applications from women and people with migration backgrounds are especially encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preference where applicable. A police good-conduct certificate may be required at hire. For detailed information on data protection and application terms, refer to Charité’s application policies via the portal.
