The[Institute of Neuroanatomy](https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/institut-fuer-neuroanatomie/institut/) at the University Clinic RWTH Aachen invites applications for a

Postdoc and a PhD Student Position (f/m/d)

to join its international team exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

Operational area: Institute of Neuroanatomy
Working hours: Postdoc Full-time 100% (38,5 hours/week)/ PhD Student Position 65% (25,03 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment: the position is limited till 31.07.2027 in accordance with the WissZeitVG with the option of prolongation.
Start date: 01.08.2026
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)

About the Lab

We focus on uncovering the early drivers of human neurodegenerative diseases with a strong translational emphasis. The lab extensively uses human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)–based models, differentiating hiPSCs into disease-relevant neuronal and glial cell types, organoids, and assembloids to study synaptic development, maintenance, and degeneration. Research integrates advanced imaging, multi-omics, functional assays, and patient-derived samples to dissect mechanisms underlying neuronal vulnerability and to identify targets for therapeutic intervention.

Why choose us?

We offer…

- Employment according to the German public service pay scale (TV-L), commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Secure contracts with transparent salary structures
- A stimulating international research environment with modern infrastructure
- Support for work–life balance and family-friendly policies
- Access to continuing education and professional development programs
- Benefits such as public transport subsidies, employee discounts, and institutional support services
- Structured onboarding and integration support for international applicants

Postdoctoral Researcher

Your responsabilities:

- Lead and contribute to cutting-edge research on neurodegeneration using hiPSC-based neuronal and organoid models
- Further develop the lab’s “trauma-in-a-dish” model based on hiPSC-derived organoids
- Apply and advance cell culture, microscopy, and multi-omics methodologies
- Integrate functional assays (e.g. neuronal activity and imaging) with molecular analyses
- Apply for internal and external research funding
- Contribute to the supervision of students and the scientific life of the institute
- Participate in teaching human anatomy to medical and dental students as part of the institute’s curriculum

Qualifications:

- PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field
- Strong experience in at least one of the following topics: hiPSC culture and differentiation, microscopy, and omics technologies
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills

PhD Student

Your responsabilities:

- Conduct a doctoral research project within the Catanese lab focused on human-relevant models of neurodegeneration. Main topic of the doctoral work will be the investigation of the pathomechanisms linked to novel, rare ALS variants
- The main topic of the PhD project will be the investigation of pathomechanisms associated with novel, rare ALS variants
- Use hiPSC-based models, microscopy, and omics approaches to study mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction
- Analyze and interpret experimental data and present results at scientific meetings and conferences
- Participate in a structured doctoral training environment with national and international collaborations

Qualifications:

- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Hands-on experience in cell culture, imaging, and omics preferred
- High motivation for experimental research and scientific curiosity
- Strong motivation for scientific research and academic growth

Application:

The application deadline for the advertised position GB-P-54825 is 31.03.2026.

Please submit the following documents in German and/or English

- Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for 2–3 references
- Relevant certificates/transcripts

Contact:

University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Institute of Neuroanatomy, Director Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Alberto Catanese, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Andrea Kube, secretary of the Neuroanatomy Institute
E-Mail: E-Mail: akube@ukaachen.de
Phone: +49 (0)241 80 89101

We look forward to receiving your application!

This job advertisement is aimed at all genders.

The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are expressly sought and, in accordance with relevant laws, will be treated preferentially.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and they will be given priority if they are equally suitable.

Employment at a fraction less than the weekly full-time working hours stated above is generally possible.

It is preferable to use our digital application portal at www.karriere.ukaachen.de to apply. The portal allows you to upload your documents to an electronic application folder, which is protected from unauthorized access. Applications received by email are transferred to our application portal and then deleted in accordance with data protection regulations. (Transmission by email is usually inadequately protected.) If you do not agree to the transfer of your data to our portal, we unfortunately cannot consider your application. The data in the portal will be deleted after the retention period has expired.