The University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG) invites applications for a PhD student position (65% TV-L E13) within the DFG Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1690 "Disease Mechanisms and Functional Restoration of Sensory and Motor Systems", subproject B02 "Inner Ear Modeling and Regeneration by Human Otic Organoids".
Position and research focus:
The PhD student will work with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate and characterize inner ear organoids as models of inner ear development, degeneration and regeneration. The project aims to elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms that support spiral ganglion neuron and inner ear sensory cell survival, and to provide human cell sources for future regenerative strategies.

Your tasks

- Culture, maintenance and differentiation of human iPSC lines into inner ear/otic organoids using defined, stage-specific patterning protocols.
- Establishment and optimization of organoid protocols that yield robust populations of hair cell- and spiral ganglion neuron-like cells.
- Phenotypic and molecular characterization of organoids (e.g. immunofluorescence, high-content imaging, RNA-based analyses).
- Participation in genome engineering of iPSC lines and validation of new reporter or knockout lines for inner ear–related factors.
- Close collaboration with a second PhD student and CRC 1690 partners, including preparation and analysis of organoid-derived cell populations for preclinical inner ear regeneration approaches. ​

Your qualifcication

- Completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, molecular medicine, neuroscience, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related life science field.
- Proven experience in mammalian cell culture; prior work with human pluripotent stem cells (ESC/iPSC) and differentiation protocols is highly desirable.
- Advantageous additional experience in one or more of the following:
               - 3D culture and organoid systems.
               - CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing.
               - Advanced fluorescence microscopy, high-content imaging or flow cytometry.
               - Transcriptomic methods (qPCR, bulk or single-cell/-nuclei RNA-seq sample preparation).
- Strong motivation to work at the interface of stem cell biology, developmental neurobiology and neurotologic research, with interest in translational and regenerative concepts.
- Independent, organized working style, good communication skills and enthusiasm for team-based, interdisciplinary research.
- Good command of English; German knowledge or willingness to learn is an asset.

We offer

- An excellent, interdisciplinary research environment within CRC 1690, with close links to the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at UMG.
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for stem cell and organoid work, genome engineering, high-content imaging and omics through UMG and campus core facilities.
- Remuneration according to TV-L E13 (65%) as a PhD student position funded by CRC 1690, plus integration into structured PhD training programs on the Göttingen Campus.

Application:
Please submit a single PDF including:
- Motivational letter outlining your interest in inner ear organoids and your relevant experience in stem cell and/or organoid research.
- Curriculum vitae with a brief overview of methodological skills.
- Copies of degree certificates and transcripts.
- Contact details of at least two referees.
Applications should be submitted via email to patapia.zafeiriou@med.uni-goettingen.de and christian.wrobel@med.uni-goettingen.de until 15.02.2026 with the reference "CRC 1690 – B02 PhD inner ear organoids". The position is available from 01.01.2026 and will be filled as soon as possible; review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
UMG is committed to equal opportunity and actively encourages applications from women and from candidates with disabilities; candidates with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.