"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 Position - Therapeutic Targeting of Liver and Stellate Cell Hypoxia in Metabolic Liver Disease

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
 Part Time (26h/week) | limited to 12 months | Announcement number: 138-2025

Dr. Christopher Schrecker’s research team at the Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Hospital Frankfurt, is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to explore how liver and stellate cell hypoxia contribute to fibrogenesis and genomic instability in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC). This research will employ advanced molecular and metabolic profiling techniques to uncover novel strategies for preventing and treating MASH and MASH-HCC, conditions that are increasingly prevalent due to rising obesity rates and represent major public health challenges.

Project Focus: Cellular Hypoxia as a Driver of Fibrogenesis and Genomic Instability in Metabolic Liver Disease

Team and Project: Dr. Schrecker brings a wealth of expertise from his postdoctoral training in cancer metabolism at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where he explored the role of cellular metabolism in cancer initiation and progression. His research group is embedded in the Biomedical Research Laboratory under the direction of Prof. Stefan Zeuzem, a leading authority in gastroenterology and hepatology. Building on preliminary findings that link hypoxia to molecular signatures of liver fibrosis and genomic instability, this project will investigate the complex interplay between hypoxia, fibrogenic pathways, and carcinogenesis using in vitro models, animal studies, and clinical patient samples.

The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to contribute to impactful, high-quality research.

For an insight into the University Hospital Frankfurt, click here.

Your role

  • Conduct in vitro experiments with hepatic stellate cells and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines to investigate hypoxia-driven mechanisms.
  • Apply advanced molecular techniques, including RNA sequencing and metabolomic profiling, to dissect the molecular pathways underlying hypoxia-driven liver disease progression.
  • Validate in vitro findings through in vivo studies using a mouse model of MASH-HCC, to assess the relevance and mechanistic impact of hypoxia in liver disease progression.
  • Analyse clinical patient samples to uncover correlations between hypoxia and liver disease progression, thereby gaining insights into the translational potential of the research.
  • Conduct statistical analysis, interpret experimental data, and contribute to the preparation of high-impact scientific publications.

Who you are

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, or a related field
  • Prior experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques; knowledge of sequencing methods and metabolic analysis is advantageous
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Team player with high levels of motivation and commitment
  • Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required

What we offer

  • Research environment: A stimulating research environment with opportunities for professional development and access to cutting-edge technology and methodologies as well as interaction with international collaborators and participation in high-impact research
  • 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

Use the time until January 30, 2025 to apply. Please submit your online application including a possible starting date and your salary expectations. For further information regarding the position and project, please contact Dr. Christopher Schrecker viae-mail: schrecker@med.uni-frankfurt.de.

 

Apply now

Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt | Recruiting Team | Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 | 60590 Frankfurt am Main | Bitte reichen Sie Ihre Bewerbung ausschließlich über den Button „Online bewerben“ ein. Rückfragen können Sie gerne an bewerbung@unimedizin-ffm.de richten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass keine Unterlagen zurückgeschickt werden. | Folgen Sie uns auf Instagram (@unimedizin-ffm); XING, LinkedIn.