Open Positions

10

Time Span

01 Sep 2026 for 4 years

Application Deadline

15 Feb 2026

Financing

yes

Areas of study

Neuroscience, Human Medicine

Description

Position: Ph.D. Student

Application deadline: February 15, 2026

Employment Start Date: September 1, 2026

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Bonn

Country: Germany

Institution: University of Bonn, Medical / Mathematical and Natural Sciences Faculties; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)

Description: 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. program will start on September 1, 2026.

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.

We are looking for:

• 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)

Further information:

• Application period: Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
• Please submit your application via the online portal: https://masterapplication.uni-bonn.de
• Contact: contact.RTG3151 at ticket.uni-bonn.de