PhD student Position (f/m/d) on “UNderstanding Lipid ImmunoMetabolIsm To trEat Disease” (UNLIMITED, MSCA Doctoral Network)

Job Information

Organisation/Company
University of Cologne

Department
Institute for Genetics

Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions
PhD Positions

Country
Germany

Type of Contract
Temporary

Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2026

Offer Description

Applications are invited for 15 Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions (f/m/d), full-time for the duration of 36 months at the earliest on 1st August, 2026. These positions are funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN), on “UNderstanding Lipid ImmunoMetabolIsm To trEat Disease” (UNLIMITED) within the Horizon Europe Programme, latest until 31st August, 2029.

The UNLIMITED network brings together a unique consortium of 15 beneficiaries, comprising 14 academic and 1 non-academic organizations, to deliver a comprehensive, interdisciplinary training program. This program integrates scientific, technical, and transferable skills to prepare the next generation of researchers in lipid immunometabolism. It promotes excellence in interdisciplinary training and innovation, enabling them to develop advanced and validated approaches for immune-related diseases.

The UNLIMITED consortium consists of the following partners:

• University Medical Center of Mainz, Germany (Positions #3, #6, #15)
• Carlos III National Cardiovascular Research Centre, Spain (Positions #8)
• Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany (Positions #9)
• Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands (Position #12)
• Amsterdam Umc Foundation, Netherlands (Position #2)
• University of Milan, Italy (Position #7)
• University of Padua, Italy (Positions #4)
• The Provost, Fellows, Foundation Scholars & The Other Members of Board, of The College of The Holy & Undivided Trinity, Ireland (Position #11)
• National Centre for Scientific Research CNRS, France (Position #1)
• University of Cologne, Germany (Position #13)
• Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg (Position #14)
• Medical University of Vienna, Austria (Position #10)
• Vugene UAB, Lithuania (Position #5)

Research Focus 

The UNLIMITED project explores how lipid metabolism regulates immune cell function and its role in diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. It will train 15 Doctoral Candidates in interdisciplinary research combining immunology, bioinformatics, metabolism, and drug development. Using cutting-edge methods like multi-omics, single-cell technologies, and advanced lipidomics, the project aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets. UNLIMITED will advance precision medicine and strengthen Europe’s leadership in health innovation.

Available Positions and Research Topics

The UNLIMITED network offers 15 Doctoral Candidate positions across four themes:

(1) development of innovative tools for single-cell and spatial analysis of lipid immunometabolism (Subprojects 1–5);

(2) molecular pathways linking lipid metabolism to immune activation and differentiation (Subprojects 6–10);

(3) tissue-specific and systemic metabolic regulation of immune function (Subprojects 11–13);

(4) discovery of therapeutic targets within lipid metabolism (Subprojects 14–15).

Collectively, the UNLIMITED network will unravel the lipid–immune interface to generate mechanistic insights that guide the development of precision immunotherapy. Each researcher will receive interdisciplinary, intersectoral training across academia and industry, integrating advanced technologies with transferable and entrepreneurial skills.

Benefits and Training

• Each DC will be employed on a 36-month full-time contract and will undertake secondments at other UNLIMITED beneficiaries and/or associated partners, in accordance with the MSCA DN mobility requirements and the training objectives. The program will provide an attractive salary in line with MSCA regulations (https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/346248). All DCs will benefit from a rich program of local and network-wide training activities covering scientific, technical, transferable, and entrepreneurial skills.
• The positions at University of Cologne (#13) will be filled as Doctoral candidate (DC) according to "EU Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations" (KoWi) model.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (MSCA mobility rule). Applicants must provide a declaration indicating their place(s) of residence and main activity (studies and/or employment) during the last 36 months to allow verification of compliance with the MSCA mobility rule.

Applicants must be Doctoral Candidates, i.e., at the date of recruitment, not already in possession of a doctoral degree. A Master’s degree (or University Diploma) in a field relevant to the position is required.

How to Apply

Documents to be submitted: Applicants must submit the following documents in English, compiled into one single PDF file (maximum size: 5 MB):

• UNLIMITED application form (the document is available for download via our webpage https://www.unimedizin-mainz.de/unlimited-msca). In this form, applicants are asked to select from one up to three preferred DC topics and indicate their order of preference.
• Full curriculum vitae (including list of publications, if applicable. Maximum 2 pages).
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing previous research experience and current research interests, clearly outlining the fit to the desired PhD topic(s).
• At least two reference letters, plus the names and contact details of two referees.
• Transcripts of grades obtained for B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, expected final grade (and anticipated graduation date if applicable). The final certificate of the M.Sc. degree must be presented upon hiring. All documents must be submitted in English. Official translations are required for documents originally issued in another language.
• Additional certificates (English certificates, GRE, awards, etc.), if available.

Application information

Submission procedure

For general questions about the personnel selection procedure and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please contact:

• Dr. Angel Anzani (e-mail: anzanian@uni-mainz.de) or unlimited@uni-mainz.de.
• Only complete applications submitted in English and compiled into a single PDF file will be considered.
• Please submit your application with all complete documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, qualification certificates, references) to the the e-mail address unlimited@uni-mainz.de, quoting the reference ‘Application UNLIMITED DC – [Your Name]’, until 15/03/2026 23:00 GMT as a single PDF file.
• Please note that no photos are to be attached to the application documents.

Your application will be processed jointly by the members of the UNLIMITED consortium and handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Important notes

Applications failing to include the requested documentation, that do not indicate the preferred research projects, or that do not meet the eligibility criteria WILL NOT be considered in this competition.

Selection process

In case the number of applications exceeds the number of available positions, shortlisted candidates will first be selected based on the fit of their curriculum vitae and research interests with the chosen research project(s). These shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, which will take place during a dedicated on-site recruitment event in 22-24/04/2026 (or online). For candidates who are unable to travel due to logistical or other valid reasons, a hybrid interview option will be made available. Final positions will be offered following approval by the UNLIMITED Recruitment Committee. Any application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Applicants who apply for more than one individual research topic are requested to indicate their order of preference (e.g. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice) in their motivation letter.

The hosting institution is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Requirements

Research Field
Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent