The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is one of Germany’s leading university hospitals, combining top-level performance in medicine and research with excellence in teaching. Each year, more than half a million patients receive inpatient and outpatient care at the UKB. Around 3,500 students study medicine and dentistry here, and over 600 people are trained annually in healthcare professions. With approximately 9,900 employees, the UKB is the third-largest employer in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region. In the Focus hospital ranking, the UKB ranks first among university hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia and second nationwide in terms of case mix index (case severity). In 2024, the UKB raised nearly €100 million in third-party funding for research, development, and teaching. The F.A.Z. Institute has named the UKB “Germany’s Training Champion” and “Germany’s Most Attractive Employer” for the fourth consecutive year.

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The Research Training Group (RTG) “**Development and epileptogenesis of dysplasias in the interplay of distinct CNS cell types**” offers an integrated research and graduate program for Ph.D. and M.D. students at the Medical and Mathematical and Natural Sciences Faculties of the University of Bonn and the DZNE funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)).

Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD) is one of the most common types of malformations of cortical development. Pathomorphologic studies of FCD biopsies point to closely linked key neurodevelopmental processes, which represent the core research areas of this RTG:

- neurovascular communication
- microglia-neuron interaction
- neurite and synapse plasticity
- monoaminergic signaling

Projects of this RTG will elucidate the role of these mechanisms in the emergence of the clinically most challenging FCD variants and in their phenotypic manifestations, including seizures and memory impairment. Based on the resulting novel pathogenetic insights, the RTG will develop new treatment strategies.

We offer up to **10 fully funded Ph.D. positions **to highly motivated and talented students. The structured Ph.D. programme will start on September 1, 2026.

**PhD position (f/m/d)**

Part-time with a workload of 65 % (25.025 hours per week) for a period of up to 4 years due the project.

**Requirements:**

- Applicants with an MSc or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Genetics, Medical Biology, Translational Medicine, or related fields
- Students with excellent academic performance in their BSc and MSc studies, who have a keen interest in the above-mentioned research areas, and are highly motivated to conduct neurodevelopmental and clinically applicable research
- Candidates with very good English skills (C1 level)

**We offer: **

- **An outstanding international research environment** at one of Europe’s leading Neuroscience Centers
- **Initial employment contract **with a minimum term of four years, with a salary based on remuneration group 13 TV-L 65% of the German public sector pay scale
- **Dedicated supervision** with academic guidance from thesis advisory committees
- **Comprehensive and structured PhD program** in English
- **Individual career **mentoring programs & coaching, courses in state-of-the-art methods & soft skills workshops, conference travel grants
- **Intensive support** and guidance for national and international students
- **Family-friendly flexibility: **Flexible working time models, access to a place in our company daycare center, and programs supporting employees returning from parental leave
- **Smart commuting: **Excellent connection to the SWB public transport network and the option of an interest-free loan for the purchase of an e-bike
- **Supported development: **Individual training opportunities through courses, e-learning programs, and coaching sessions
- **Structured onboarding: **A systematic introduction to your new role and team
- **Healthy at work: **A wide range of health and wellness programs, plus free membership at the UKB fitness studio
- ·          **Employee benefits: **Access to discounted offers for employees (corporate benefits)

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We therefore urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

**How to apply:**

Do you meet our requirements and are you looking for a varied and challenging job? Do not hesitate and submit your detailed application preferably via the online portal: [https://masterapplication.uni-bonn.de](https://masterapplication.uni-bonn.de) **by Feb 15, 2026**.

**Contact**

[**contact.RTG3151@ticket.uni-bonn.de**](https://mailto:contact.RTG3151@ticket.uni-bonn.de)