6 PhD student positions (fully funded), RNA biology and RNA therapeutics

We invite applications for PhD student positions within the international graduate programme RNAmed – Future Leaders in RNA-based Medicine, based in Bavaria, Germany.

We are seeking an international group of students eager to join this programme and contribute to the advancement of precisiaon medicine and targeted molecular therapies. An international spirit, active networking, extracurricular activities and pharmaceutical translation are main features of RNAmed. Launched in 2022 and funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB), RNAmed takes a holistic approach to endowing doctoral students with the skills necessary for a career in the rapidly growing field of RNA-based medicine. The programme has been bringing together a diverse consortium of world-leading scientists in RNA modification and delivery, CRISPR-Cas systems, microRNAs, non-coding RNA, RNA biology of infections, and RNA chemistry.

At this point, the following supervisors have open positions (more information at https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/imib/rnamed/supervisors/):

• Prof. Dr. Jörg Vogel (University of Würzburg)
• Prof. Dr. Cynthia Sharma (University of Würzburg)
• Prof. Dr. Claudia Höbartner (University of Würzburg)
• Prof. Dr. Utz Fischer (University of Würzburg)
• Prof. Dr. Selim Corbacioglu (University Hospital Regensburg) and
• Prof. Dr. Andrea Rentmeister (LMU Munich)*

*please note: Prof. Rentmeister is particularly looking for applicants with a strong background in biochemistry (RNA biochemistry)).

Successful candidates shall begin their PhD projects in January 2027 (later starting dates are negotiable). We invite applications from outstanding students of all nationalities dedicated to becoming part of RNAmed. Applicants are expected to hold a Master’s degree (with top grades) or equivalent in the life sciences, chemistry, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences or a related discipline.

Applications must be submitted in English preferably by email as one single PDF file to med-rnamed@uni-wuerzburg.de.

Please include:

• Cover letter (in addition to your motivation for RNAmed, please also indicate which two of the listed research groups you would prefer and explain why)
• CV
• Contact information of two academic reference persons
• Relevant certificates
• List of publications (if applicable)

The application deadline for this call is September 17, 2026.

The participating universities aim to increase the proportion of female employees, therefore applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to handicapped persons in case of otherwise equal aptitude. If applicable, please clearly state any severe disabilities in your cover letter or CV. Salary will be based on the pay scale for the public sector in Germany (TV-L).

Informal inquiries to the advertised positions may be directed to the programme speaker, Prof. Dr. Jörg Vogel (joerg.vogel@uni-wuerzburg.de).

We look forward to receiving your application.

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie

Sekretariat Prof. Vogel

Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D15

97080 Würzburg

Please send copies only. For cost reasons, application documents cannot be returned. They will be destroyed shortly after the selection process has been completed. If you enclose a stamped envelope, your application documents will be returned to you three months after the selection process has been completed.