Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Associate (all genders) – Innate Immunology
Better together. For life.
We are the Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) – and stand for excellent competence in research, teaching, and comprehensive healthcare in our clinics. Our approximately 17,000 employees strive every day to make the world a little healthier through their contribution.
It is our ambition to be one of the leading university hospitals – and at the same time the best employer in our industry. At UKE, we firmly believe that successful and fulfilling work should be in harmony with the personal needs and individual life designs of our employees. And as diverse these may be, so is our range of individual solutions.
Welcome to UKE.
Job-ID: J000006921 Type of employment: Fixed-term Working hours: Part time Apply by: 21.09.2026 Company division: UKE_Zentrum für Innere Medizin Activity area: Research & Science Department: I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik
What defines the position
The I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik of the Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is a leading center for research and clinical care in Internal Medicine with a focus on Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Immunology.
To strengthen our interdisciplinary research team, we are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to research the role of macrophages in adipose tissue biology and metabolism. The successful applicant will participate in innovative research projects that combine in vivo and in vitro approaches to investigate the mechanisms of adipose tissue activation and immune regulation.
Your tasks:
- Conducting in vivo experiments in mouse models for adipose tissue activation
- Processing murine tissues and cells while ensuring high quality and integrity of the biological samples
- Isolation and characterization of immune cells from murine tissues
- Performing functional in vitro assays with primary murine immune cells
- Performing molecular and cell biological analyses, especially quantitative PCR (qPCR) and multiparametric flow cytometry
- Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of experimental data
- Guidance and supervision of students and interns in laboratory work and experimental procedures
- Participation in the planning, execution, and publication of scientific projects, including participation in scientific conferences and the preparation of scientific manuscripts
- Close collaboration in an interdisciplinary research team
The position is fixed-term due to third-party funding from December 1, 2026, to July 31, 2029. Employment is initially for 30.8 hours per week (80% of the regular weekly working time). An increase to 100% is possible.
What we look forward to
- Completed doctorate in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Metabolism Research, or a comparable life science discipline
- Sound knowledge in the field of macrophage biology or innate immunity
- Experience in the processing of murine tissues and the isolation of immune cells, ideally including work under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)
- Practical experience in multiparametric flow cytometry and data analysis with FlowJo
- Experience with sterile cell culture techniques and functional assays using primary immune cells
- Knowledge in the field of adipose tissue biology, metabolism, or metabolic diseases is desirable but not a requirement
- Independent and structured way of working as well as ability to work in a team
- Strong organizational, communication, and social skills
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications
- Very good written and spoken English skills
Immunity status
Employment is only possible if full proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus is provided in accordance with the currently applicable (legal and medical) requirements. This must be proven before the start of employment by providing appropriate documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate).
What we offer
- Fair and transparent remuneration according to our collective agreement TVöD/VKA (63,600 € - 91,100 €) taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary information refers to a full-time position with 38.5 hours per week. The stated amounts are guide values and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
- Targeted and individual development at the specialist and project level is provided, so we offer a long-term perspective in a meaningful environment
- Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE-Akademie für Bildung und Karriere
- Opportunities to help shape our personnel policy "UKE INside" in cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
- Sustainable: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
- Excellent health, prevention, and sports offers
- Family-friendly working environment: Cooperation for childcare, free holiday care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
- Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful activity, appreciative cooperation
- Structured induction and open knowledge exchange in the team
- Our employee restaurant offers a wide selection of culinary options; further offers are available in the "Health Kitchen" cafés and bistros and in a supermarket directly on the premises
Contact UKE
Contact for the department Dr. Lidia Bosurgi l.bosurgi@uke.de
Contact for recruiting Recruiting Team +49 (0) 40 7410-52599
About us
We live diversity and value variety
We offer a working environment that enables equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. We confirm this by joining the Charta der Vielfalt. We expressly strive to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions, especially among scientific staff in research and teaching. The same applies in the case of underrepresentation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities will be given priority if they have equal suitability, ability, and professional performance.