Heike Rittner

The University Hospital of Würzburg’s Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine is offering a PhD or postdoc position focused on presynaptic and peripheral plasticity of nociceptors in pain resolution. The research will utilize high resolution imaging to analyze skin and spinal cord plasticity in both preclinical models and patient samples, contributing to the clinical research group KFO5001 ResolvePAIN, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The project aims to investigate recovery patterns and mechanisms of pain resolution in the peripheral somatosensory system and its connection with the central nervous system, employing a translational approach across clinical, preclinical, and basic sciences. Successful candidates will join a highly motivated, international team with an open communication culture. The position is associated with the doctoral program of the Graduate School of Life Sciences, which offers structured onboarding, specialized training, skills development, and career path planning. The research group is family-friendly, supporting part-time work, remote work, and assistance with accommodation and childcare. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if equally qualified. Applicants should have a master’s degree in neurosciences, biomedicine, biochemistry, or related fields (for PhD) or a PhD in neurosciences (pain research) for postdoc. Excellent academic results, experience in neurosciences, pain research, high resolution imaging, or animal behavior are highly advantageous. International team experience and translational research skills are expected. For degrees from non-EU countries, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required. The position is limited to two or three years, with salary based on the TV-L (German public sector pay scale), including annual special payment, retirement pension plan, company daycare center, sports program, flexible working hours, jobBike, and corporate benefits. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. To apply, submit your motivation letter, CV, academic references, and grades via the provided application link. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Heike Rittner, Head of ZiS. Relevant links: Graduate School of Life Sciences , KFO5001 ResolvePAIN .