"Knowledge becomes health" - we are filling this motto with life every day, developing new ideas and improv-ing old-established knowledge. The University Hospital Frankfurt has existed since 1914. Our around 8,500 employees contribute with their skills and knowledge to the 33 specialist clinics, theoretical clinical institutes, and administrative departments. The close connection of health care with research and teaching, as well as a climate of collegiality, internationality, and cross-professional cooperation characterize the university hospital.

PhD Candidate (Dr. rer. nat) - Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
Part Time (65%) | limited for 3 years | Announcement number: 817-2024

The Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy in Frankfurt investigates mental disorders along the life span with a focus on mood disorders (Treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, suicidality), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. Our research teams converge highly interdisciplinary expertise in psychiatry, clinical and applied psychology, as well as neurobiology to elucidate the pathophysiological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms of these disorders as well as to identify novel tailored treatments in the sense of precision psychiatry. We make use of a diverse range of cutting-edge methods that follow the logic of translational/experimental medicine, with results from basic studies being rapidly translated to the bedside. Our methodological spectrum covers the fields of molecular biology and genetics, animal models, lifestyle modifications, neurophysiology, neuroimaging and clinical studies.
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About the project

The position is part of the Transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR 379 Neuropsychobiology of Aggression. The aim is to identify multidimensionally defined biosignatures of aggression in mental disorders. These will then be used to develop customized, biomarker-driven prevention and intervention measures. In sub-project Q01, a central recruitment platform will be established for collecting and curating a longitudinal dataset for studying individual aggression dynamics related to the neural, cognitive-emotional, neurobiological, psychopathological and environmental factors in patient groups.
As part of your work, you will be integrated into an international network that offers a structured, extended curriculum and not only connects many young researchers, but also includes workshops, training courses, a lecture series and the possibility of a laboratory rotation. 
The doctoral position is embedded transregionally and in cooperation with the University of Frankfurt, RWTH Aachen University, the University of Heidelberg, the Central Institute of Mental Health as well as the Universities of Mainz, Würzburg and Forschungszentrum Jülich. The TRR/SFB 379 is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Further information on the TRR and subproject Q01 can be found at https://trr379.de/projects/q01/.

Your role

  • Scientific work with the aim of a publication-based doctorate
  • Conducting and supervising patient recruitment as well as patient phenotyping using neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods
  • Support of ongoing recruitment from the data side, database management, data entry
  • Data-driven analysis of the questions
  • Publication of the results in scientific journals
  • Presentation and discussion of the project and research results at specialist conferences in Germany and abroad
  • Coordination and networking with the other TRR centers
  • Supervision of interns and Bachelor's/Master's students
  • Organizational tasks within the framework of the project

Who you are

  • You have successfully completed a university degree (Master of Science) in Psychology, Neuroscience or similar studies.
  • Skills in programming-based data processing (e.g. R, Python) with a basic understanding of machine learning are desirable.
  • Experience with recruitment and phenotyping of patients is desirable.
  • As this work covers extensive patient interactions, high social skills are a prerequisite.
  • You have already gained experience in scientific work as part of your studies.
  • You are motivated and curious to try out new things.
  • Very good knowledge of German (min. C1) and very good knowledge of English (C1) are expected.
  • Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

What we offer

  • Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
  • Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
  • Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
  • Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
  • Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.
  • Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development
  • Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Women are underrepresented in these positions at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Disabled applicants are preferred if they have the same personal and professional qualifications.

Join our team

Please use the time until December 9, 2024 to apply, stating the announcement number and a possible start date. For further information, please contact Dr. Catherine Barnes-Scheufler at 069 / 6301 4864 or barnes-scheufler@med.uni-frankfurt.de. 

Apply now

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