Now Open: Call for PhD Students
Join the next RNAmed generation | Application deadline: March 24
We are pleased to announce the call for the second cohort of our graduate program “RNAmed – Future Leaders in RNA-based Medicine”.
Applications are invited for 11 fully-funded PhD positions (4 years) in Würzburg, Munich or Regensburg (Germany).
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged in recent years for several diseases. With the exceptionally rapid development of RNA vaccines to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic it has become increasingly clear that RNA is on the verge of becoming another major molecule class for the fields of diagnostics, prevention and treatment of diseases.
Funded by the Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB), the graduate program 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. With the first cohort of students nearing graduation, we will now recruit students for the second funding period (2027-2030).
We are seeking an international group of 11 PhD students eager to join this exciting program and contribute to the advancement of precision medicine and targeted molecular therapies. An international spirit, active networking, extracurricular activities and pharmaceutical translation are main features of RNAmed.
RNAmed has been running since 2022, bringing together a diverse consortium of more than a dozen world-leading scientists in RNA modification and delivery, CRISPR-Cas systems, microRNAs, non-coding RNA, RNA biology of infections, and RNA chemistry. Applicants can choose a mentor who best matches their interests and background (more information under “Panel of Experts as Supervisors” at www.rnamed.de).
Successful candidates shall begin their PhD projects in January 2027 (earlier or later starting dates are negotiable).
An interdisciplinary committee of international scientists will guide and support PhD candidates throughout their projects. Structured mentoring and training including summer schools, industry internships, hard and soft skill workshops and opportunities to present their work at international conferences will prepare students for careers as scientists in academia or industry, as entrepreneurs or as policy makers in the broader area of RNA-based medicine.
How to apply
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 as one single PDF file to
med-rnamed(at)uni-wuerzburg.de
or by post to
Institut für Molekulare Infektionsbiologie (IMIB)
Universität Würzburg
Sekretariat Prof. Dr. Jörg Vogel
Josef-Schneider-Straße 2 / D15
97080 Würzburg
Please include:
• Cover letter
• CV
• Contact information of two academic reference persons
• Relevant certificates
• List of publications (if applicable)
At this stage, you should apply only to the graduate program itself. Mentors/PIs will be assigned at a later stage. If you wish, you may indicate preferred mentors in your application (up to three), as this may assist us during the organizational phase; however, this is entirely optional. Please refrain from contacting the individual PIs directly. You can only choose from the group listed under "A panel of experts as supervisors". These are the primary mentors (PIs).
The application deadline for this call is March 24, 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 program speaker, Prof. Jörg Vogel (joerg.vogel(at)uni-wuerzburg.de).
We look forward to receiving your application.
