Doctoral Funded Position: Gene Expression Regulation at the University of Cologne, Germany

The University of Cologne is offering a doctoral position in Gene Expression Regulation within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The position is part of the Uhlirova Lab at the Institute for Genetics and CECAD, where researchers investigate how stress-inducible signaling pathways regulate gene expression and affect tissue homeostasis, aging, and disease.

Located in Cologne, Germany, the University of Cologne is one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe. Its broad academic portfolio, internationally recognized research activities, and central location attract students and researchers from around the world. The university also offers career opportunities across science, technology, administration, and other professional fields.

For this doctoral research position, the Uhlirova Lab is seeking a highly motivated and curious doctoral candidate (f/m/x) interested in genetics, molecular and cell biology, gene expression, and systems-level research.

About the Uhlirova Lab

The Uhlirova Lab studies how stress-responsive signaling pathways control gene expression and how these processes contribute to tissue homeostasis and longevity. The research combines functional genetics in Drosophila and mouse models with molecular and cell biology, multi-omics approaches, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics.

The successful doctoral candidate will have the opportunity to lead an independent research project while contributing to collaborative work within an international research environment. The position provides the chance to develop interdisciplinary expertise at the interface of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems-level analysis.

Doctoral Research Focus

The PhD project will investigate the relationship between transcription and pre-mRNA splicing under physiological, stress-related, and disease conditions. Particular attention will be given to the mechanisms that regulate spliceosome assembly and functional plasticity.

The research will also explore why certain transcripts, cells, and tissues are particularly sensitive to abnormal splicing. Another important objective is to understand how spliceosome malfunction can contribute to the loss of tissue homeostasis, premature aging, and disease.

This doctoral project may therefore be particularly relevant to candidates interested in gene regulation, RNA biology, molecular genetics, aging research, disease mechanisms, and cellular stress responses.

Your Tasks

As a doctoral researcher, your work will focus on several interconnected questions in gene expression regulation and RNA splicing. Your main tasks will include:

• Studying the crosstalk between transcription and pre-mRNA splicing under physiological, stress, and disease conditions.
• Investigating the mechanisms responsible for spliceosome assembly and its functional plasticity.
• Identifying the factors that make specific transcripts, cells, and tissues sensitive to aberrant splicing.
• Investigating how spliceosome dysfunction contributes to loss of tissue homeostasis, premature aging, and disease.

The position is designed to provide opportunities for independent scientific work as well as collaboration with researchers across related disciplines.

Eligibility and Required Qualifications

Applicants should have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field within the Life Sciences.

A strong background in genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology is essential. The university is looking for candidates who demonstrate scientific curiosity, motivation, creativity, and the ability to approach research questions through critical and analytical problem-solving.

Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in carrying out an independent scientific project and a strong commitment to high-quality research.

Hands-on experience with model organisms, particularly Drosophila and/or mouse models, as well as cell culture systems, is desirable. Excellent spoken and written English communication skills are required, along with a strong willingness to collaborate and work effectively within a research team.

Desirable Additional Skills

The following qualifications are considered additional assets for this doctoral position:

• Practical experience with multi-omics research projects and data analysis.
• Experience in protein purification and biomolecular interaction assays.
• An interest in computational modeling of biomolecular interactions.
• Experience with quantitative image analysis and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational abilities and thorough scientific documentation practices.

Applicants do not necessarily need to possess every desirable skill. The core requirements include an appropriate academic background, relevant biological research experience, analytical thinking, and a strong motivation to pursue doctoral research.

What the University of Cologne Offers

The successful candidate will join an interactive and international research team with access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The University of Cologne promotes a diverse working environment and equal opportunities for its employees and researchers.

The position also offers support for balancing work and family life, extensive opportunities for advanced training, occupational health management services, and flexible working-time models.

These benefits provide doctoral researchers with an environment designed to support both scientific development and professional growth.

Position Details

The doctoral position is available immediately and is offered on a part-time basis of 25.89 hours per week.

The appointment is initially for three years. If the applicant meets the applicable wage requirements and personal qualifications, remuneration will be based on salary group 13 TV-L, according to the German public-sector pay scale.

The position is associated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute for Genetics, CECAD, Uhlirova Lab at the University of Cologne.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW).

The university expressly welcomes applications from suitable candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through APPLY NOW. Applications should be submitted without a photograph and must include proof of the required qualifications.

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Cover letter of no more than one page explaining your motivation for joining the research group and outlining your career achievements.
2. Academic Curriculum Vitae, including a publication list and contact information for three referees.
3. Copies of degree and qualification certificates.

The relevant reference number for this vacancy is Wiss2608-13.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 27 September 2026.

Applications should be submitted before the stated deadline through the University’s online recruitment portal.

Contact Information

For questions about the doctoral position or the application process, applicants can contact Dr Esther Wollert at:

Email: uhlirova-jobs@uni-koeln.de

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the university’s FAQs before submitting their application.

Detail	Information
Position	Doctoral Candidate – Gene Expression Regulation
Institution	University of Cologne
Faculty	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Research Group	Uhlirova Lab
Institute	Institute for Genetics / CECAD
Research Area	Gene expression, transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, genetics, molecular and cell biology
Degree Required	Master’s degree or equivalent
Relevant Fields	Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Life Sciences, or related disciplines
Employment	Part-time, 25.89 hours per week
Duration	3 years
Start Date	Immediately
Salary	TV-L remuneration group 13, subject to applicable requirements
Location	Cologne, Germany
Reference Number	Wiss2608-13
Application Deadline	27 September 2026
Application Website	University of Cologne job portal
Contact	Dr Esther Wollert
Email	uhlirova-jobs@uni-koeln.de

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this doctoral position?

Candidates with a completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related Life Sciences discipline can apply. A strong background in genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology is essential.

What is the main research topic of the PhD position?

The doctoral project focuses on gene expression regulation, particularly the crosstalk between transcription and pre-mRNA splicing. It also examines spliceosome assembly, aberrant splicing, tissue homeostasis, aging, and disease.

Is previous experience with model organisms required?

Experience with model organisms such as Drosophila or mouse models is listed among the desired qualifications. Experience with cell culture systems is also relevant.

Is multi-omics experience required?

Multi-omics research and data-analysis experience are listed as desirable assets rather than the core eligibility requirements.

Where is the doctoral position located?

The position is based at the University of Cologne in Cologne, Germany, within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Uhlirova Lab at the Institute for Genetics and CECAD.

Is the position full-time?

No. The position is offered on a part-time basis of 25.89 hours per week.

How long is the doctoral appointment?

The position is available for three years.

What salary is offered?

Subject to the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the position is paid according to remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public-sector pay scale.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants should submit a maximum one-page motivation and career-achievement cover letter, an academic CV with publication list and contact details for three references, and copies of degree and qualification certificates.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 27 September 2026.