PhD Candidate (f/m/x) – RNA Quality Control Lab

Helmholtz Munich; München; Vor Ort; EUR 48.000 - 64.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Career development

30 days annual leave

Relocation support

Health initiatives

Zusammenfassung

Helmholtz Munich is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the RNA Quality Control lab within the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. You will develop and apply iPSC-based neural models, study transcription elongation/termination, and analyze nascent transcriptomics, RNA-seq and proteomics data.

You will design experiments, present findings at group meetings, and contribute to shaping the lab's research direction. Prior coding experience is taught if needed, and collaboration across international teams is

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree completed by start date in a relevant field.
• Solid experimental foundation in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Desirable: iPSC culture, neural differentiation or CRISPR genome editing.
• Desirable: experience with next-generation sequencing or analysis.

Aufgaben

• Investigate transcription elongation and termination failure leading to immunogenic dsRNA.
• Build iPSC-based neural models using endogenous tagging and degron systems.
• Generate and analyze data: nascent transcriptomics, RNA-seq, proteomics.
• Design and interpret experiments, present at meetings and conferences.
• Prepare work for publication; contribute to group direction.

Kenntnisse

Molecular biology

Mammalian cell culture

English

Feedback driven

Bench science

Ausbildung

Master's degree in biology/biochemistry/molecular medicine

Tools

R

Unix

Jobbeschreibung

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) founded and funded by Helmholtz Munich stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedical sciences, engineering and digitization. At HPC, top scientific talents from across the globe work together on the development of novel solutions that make a difference in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

The RNA Quality Control lab studies what happens when RNA polymerase II fails to reach the end of a gene, and how the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) released by that failure drives disease.

We work with a set of methods, we are expert in covering nascent transcriptomics, degron-based protein depletion, iPSC-derived neural models and we will train you in them.

In return, we anticipate that you deploy them well and understand what each experiment tests, and think critically about the results.

Your input will help shape our future research direction.

Your tasks

• Investigate how transcription elongation and termination failure generates immunogenic double-stranded RNA
• Build iPSC-based models using endogenous tagging and degron systems, and differentiate them into neural progenitors and neurons
• Generate and analyse your own data: nascent transcriptomics, RNA-seq, proteomics
• Design and interpret your own experiments
• Present at group meetings, institute seminars and international conferences, and write your work up for publication

Your profile

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine or a related field, completed by the start date
• Solid experimental foundation in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture
• You are feedback driven: you can sense one clear guidance cue to change how you work
• Motivated to work at the bench and at the terminal; prior coding experience is not required, we will teach it
• Good written and spoken English

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with iPSC culture, neural differentiation or CRISPR genome editing
• Experience with next-generation sequencing or its analysis
• Familiarity with R or Unix
• Background in transcription, RNA biology, innate immunity or the stress response
• Interest in helping set the direction of a group in its first year

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Above: healthy cells. Below: cells where transcription termination has failed, with double-stranded RNA (yellow) building up in the cytoplasm.

Illustration: Ella Maru Studio.

You will make these cells, treat them, and analyse the sequencing data that explains why they fail. No prior coding experience needed - we teach that part.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich