About this position
The DFG Research Training Group (Graduiertenkolleg) 2606 ´ProthPath` offers:
Doctoral researcher positions in Protease Research (m/f/d)
The Research Training Group 2606 entitled Understanding Protease Functions in Cellular Pathways through Discovery and Analysis of Protease Substrates (ProtPath) is a German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded doctoral program for research concerning proteases, their substrates and their functions in biology and medicine. Biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and proteomics are the key methodologies of our research endeavor.
We have formed an excellent scientific network integrating projects located on internationally renowned research institutes and departments of Freiburg University and its Medical Center. Our mission is to support the fully funded PhD work of early-stage researchers that have completed their undergraduate training in a life science subject. We aim to develop motivated, responsible, and scientifically independent researchers fit for the postdoctoral job market in academia, biotech, and industry.
Currently, positions are available for the following projects:
P1: Prof. Dr. Matthias Eder: Targeting of cancer-associated proteases: Novel theranostic radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Based on the success story of PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals for prostate cancer therapy, we will focus on identifying novel protease targets. In this project, we will focus on the identification and radionuclide targeting of PDAC-specific proteases located on pancreatic tumor or related stromal cells. Proteases are highly suitable for targeting by peptidic ligands since their molecular function is based on the selective recognition of peptidic sequence motifs.
Moreover, many proteases possess exosites that further expand the drugable sequences. To ascertain strong expression of putative theranostic targets in PDAC, we will profile pre-existing mRNA based PDAC expression data followed by comprehensive proteome analyses to identify cell-surface proteases as well as components of the extracellular matrix as aberrant protease synthesis and activity is a hallmark of PDAC tumor biology. Once targets have been identified, inhibitors and cyclic peptides will be designed and characterized in existing organoid culture and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer to identify probes suitable for innovative imaging and targeted therapy approaches.
P2: Dr. Ruth Geiss-Friedlander: Investigating DPP9 regulation, substrate recognition, and non-catalytic functions
Proteolytic processing is a key regulatory mechanism in cell biology, with N-terminal sequences playing central roles in post-translational regulation. The intracellular protease DPP9 is unique in its ability to remove N-terminal dipeptides after proline (Xaa-Pro-↓Zaa). DPP9 has been shown to play a role in immune regulation, metabolism, and DNA repair, and its dysregulation is linked to cancer and immune disorders (reviewed in Zolg et al. 2024).
Despite its physiological importance, only a limited number of DPP9 substrates and interaction partners have been characterized. In addition to its catalytic activity, DPP9 also has non-enzymatic functions through protein interactions, highlighting the need to better understand the mechanisms regulating its activity and binding partners.
This project aims to uncover how DPP9 is regulated, identify the determinants of DPP9–substrate interactions, and define its non-catalytic functions. It offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated doctoral candidate interested in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, protein interaction networks, protease activity and regulation. For more information, visit our website.
P4: Prof. Dr. Georg Häcker: Determine the role of sub-lethal caspase-activity in primary cells
Caspases are best known for their role in apoptosis. However, although many hundreds of substrates of caspase-3 have been described, there is arguably not a single one whose role in apoptosis is in fact clearly established. We have been working on sub-lethal signaling in the apoptosis pathway and have found that caspases are active at a sub-lethal level in at least many non-apoptotic cells at homeostasis.
We have identified two situations where sub-lethal substrate cleavage has physiological effects in the regulation of signal transduction. In these cases, caspase-mediated proteolysis regulates cellular signaling pathways. We have identified more substrates of at this stage uncertain significance.
This project will continue with substrate identification of effector caspases in non-apoptotic cells and with the assessment of the biological role of sub-lethal caspase activity in various mammalian cell types.
P9: Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinheckel: Function and substrates of aminopeptidases during myelopoiesis.
Aminopeptidases remove one or few amino acids from the N-terminus of proteins or peptides. Although this is an apparently minor modification, it can have significant effects on the stability and function of the cleaved protein. Moreover, aminopeptidases are more and more known to function by non-catalytic interactions with other proteins.
In recent years, the impressive improvements in proteomic technologies are now allowing the analysis of the complex N-terminome and the protein-protein interactome of cells and tissues. By using genetic models, we recently found that these aminopeptidases have strong impact on the differentiation of murine hematopoietic stem cells to bone marrow derived macrophages and possibly other bone marrow derived immune cells. The PhD project will explore the details of those differentiation defects, while simultaneously uncover their molecular basis with help of proteomics and single cell technologies.
Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) positions in Protease Research in Freiburg with a 3-year contract duration (Salary scheme E13 TV-L; 65%).
Applicant requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated doctoral candidates in life sciences of all nationalities who are strongly committed to basic and translational research. A Master of Science degree is required to enter the program.
If you want to join us, check for individual project descriptions, how-to-apply, and learn more about GRK 2606 on:
https://www.protpath.uni-freiburg.de/
Starting times are January 2027 (P2, P9) and March 2027 (P1, P4).
Application/documents required:
- CV, Personal data/contact details
- Bachelor and Master degrees (or equivalent) - transcripts and certificates
- University entrance qualification certificate and transcript
- Proof of English proficiency (German Abitur is eligible as proof)
- 2 reference letters
- Motivation letter and research interest - You will select here the project you want to apply for, and will be able to indicate a second preference
Please provide all required documents as one merged .pdf file.
Application deadline: October 15th, 2026
Please apply online.
Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cell Research
Dr. Susanne Elfert
Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg
Stefan-Meier-Straße 17, 79104 Freiburg
General information: Salary is assigned according to a pay scale. Unless prevented by operational or legal reasons, full-time positions are generally open to those wishing to job share. Where two candidates are equally suitable for a post, severely disabled candidates are given priority.
Employment decisions are made by the Personnel Department.
Funding
Salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L), based on qualifications and experience.
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.