Doctoral Researcher - Ph.D. Student (d/f/m) - "Influence of engineered mechanical microenvironments on BMP/TGFβ signaling in the context of bone healing"
Start date
01.01.2026
Application deadline
15.11.2025
Jobcode
5706
Salary group
E13
Working at Charité
The mission of the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) is medical translation: transferring biomedical research findings into novel approaches to personalized prediction, prevention, diagnostics and therapies and, conversely, using clinical observations to develop new research ideas. The aim is to deliver relevant medical benefits to patients and the population at large. Since 2021 the BIH has been integrated into Charité as its so-called third pillar.
For the the area BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, AG "Cellular Biomechanics and Biomaterials", starting from the 01.01.2026 limited until 31.12.2028 we are looking for a Doctoral Researcher - Ph.D. Student (d/f/m) in part-time (25,03h/week).
You will carry out your doctoral project in the Cellular Biomechanics and Architectured Biomedical Materials research group at the Berlin Institute of Health, guided by Prof. Dr. Ansgar Petersen, and contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of materials science and medicine.
What you can expect
The research project aims to uncover how the local mechanical environment of bone progenitor cells regulates cell signaling events with relevance for bone healing. A particular focus will be on the spatial relation between cell force application at focal adhesions and growth factor receptor localization.
- Establishing and validating a new cell culture system to investigate mechanical cell-biomaterial interaction in the context of tissue repair
- Planning and performing experiments to investigate the response of bone progenitor cells to mechanically heterogeneous environments
- Analyzing experimental data and working closely with bioinformatics partners to interpret cellular signaling and interaction patterns
- Collaborating within the research network of the SFB 1444 to identify key regulators of cell function during bone tissue regeneration
- Presenting research findings at national and international scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
- Actively participating in scientific training and academic development as part of your doctoral studies
What you bring along
- Scientific academic degree in biology, engineering, physics or related fields (master-degree or equivalent)
- Solid cell culture experience
- Experience with applying biochemistry methods like single-cell RNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, western blotting etc. would be favorable
- Experience in 3D image analysis via FIJI, Imaris, Dragonfly or other software favorable
- Experience in scientific writing, ideally first contribution to peer-reviewed publications
- Very good written and spoken English language skills
- Enthusiasm, strong motivation and team spirit
What we offer you
- A varied job in a forward-looking research institute
- Pay group E13 TVöD VKA-K. The classification is based on qualifications, the respective experience level is calculated on the basis of professional experience. The annual salary (gross) is stated for a full-time position without special or additional payments. The collective agreement can be found here.
- Additional benefits customary in the public sector (including annual special payment, company pension scheme (VBL), capital-forming benefits)
- Flexible working hours and the option of working remote
- 30 vacation days per year (with a five-day week)
- Various support offers to balance work and family life (childcare, cooperation with voiio)
- Very good training and further education opportunities
- Mobile citizens' office on site
- Corporate benefits (travel, leisure, shopping, etc.), Charité Gympass, JobRad
- Very easily accessible and attractive workplace at the Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin
We live diversity!
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion and ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. Applications from women are expressly encouraged. Severely disabled and equivalent applicants will be given special consideration if they have the same qualifications and suitability.
We believe that diverse teams representing a wide range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds enrich our research and work.
Please submit your application via our online application form with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae (without photo, without age statement and without information about your marital status) and other relevant attachments (such as employer references, degree certificates, etc.).
Note: If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of recognition of your degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be obtained via the anabin database. Please note that it may be necessary to obtain a certificate assessment from the ZAB. You can find more information here.
Proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is a prerequisite for employment for those born after 1970.
You can find more information about BIH here.
Application
Everyone is welcome at the Charité, regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, ethnic or social background. We are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion.
Apply using our online tool and become part of the Charité.
Apply nowContact person
For technical or role-related questions regarding the job posting, please contact Mr Prof. Dr. Ansgar Petersen (Email: ansgar.petersen@bih-charite.de).
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Mr Hamza Mechchate by email at jobs@bih-charite.de.
More information
Data protection information
The Charité would like to point out that personal data is stored and processed at various locations at the Charité premises (e.g. specialty department, personnel representatives, HR department) as part of and for the purposes of the application process. Furthermore, the data may be transferred or processed within the group and to external bodies (e.g. authorities) to protect legitimate interests. By submitting your application, you agree to our data protection policy and terms of use for application procedures, which you can find here.
Additional information
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin makes its personnel decisions based on suitability, ability and professional performance. The Charité aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority within the scope of legal possibilities. Applications from people with a migration background who meet the recruitment requirements are expressly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. A police good-conduct certificate, in some cases an extended good-conduct certificate, is required at the time of recruitment. Unfortunately, application documents can be returned only if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Any incurred travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.