PhD Project "Origami-based immune-modulatory RNAs" (Stoecklin_0125) - Heidelberg University

HBIGS Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 20.000 - 30.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading biosciences research institution in Germany is seeking a motivated PhD student for a project focused on immune-modulatory RNAs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and/or immunology. This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively on innovative strategies to enhance tumor immunotherapy, starting January 2026.

Qualifikationen

• Highly motivated and interactive attitude.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in relevant fields.

Aufgaben

• Develop imodRNAs based on RNA-origami scaffolds.
• Collaborate with research teams for project goals.
• Use biochemical methods for research experiments.

Kenntnisse

Strong background in biochemistry

Cell biology

Molecular biology

Immunology

Ausbildung

Relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree

Jobbeschreibung

HBIGS Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School

Organisation/Company HBIGS Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are known to control the activity of immune cells by post-transcriptionally regulating the translation or degradation of cytokine mRNAs (1-3). As a prototype of a novel synthetic strategy to activate immune cells, we have developed immune-modulatory RNAs (imodRNAs) that sequester specific RBPs, whereby we can elevate the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL6 in macrophages. In collaboration with Kerstin Göpfrich (Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University, ZMBH), we have started to improve such imodRNAs by attaching RBP-binding sites on a nanotube scaffold that folds along RNA origami principles (4). In this project, we will further develop this concept by generating imodRNAs based on a wider range of RNA-origami scaffolds of different sizes and geometry. In addition, we will expand the repertoire of imodRNAs by sequestering different types of RBPs. We will then use biochemical methods to determine the affinity of the newly developed imodRNAs towards the targeted RBPs, and measure the effect of the newly designed imodRNAs on the translation and stability of mRNAs encoding cytokines and immune regulators, using state-of-the-art deep sequencing technology (5,6). Further, we will collaborate with Nina Papavasiliou (German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, DKFZ) to improve the delivery of imodRNA into immune cells. The ultimate goal is to assess the potential of imodRNAs as immune activators and potential enhancers of tumor immunotherapy in mouse models.

We are looking for a highly motivated and interactive PhD student with a strong background in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology and/or immunology. Start of the project ideally in January 2026.