PhD Student Postition in RNA Biology (m/f/d)

Heidelberg University; Heidelberg; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidelberg University Hospital’s Munschauer Lab seeks a PhD-level researcher to explore RNA interactions and improve therapeutic mRNA performance. You will join the CRC/TRR 440 smART team, combining RNA biochemistry, cell biology, mass spectrometry, genomics and bioinformatics to investigate RNA regulation with high spatial and temporal resolution.

The role offers structured doctoral training, collaboration with wet-lab scientists and bioinformaticians, and opportunities to develop a strong

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in cell biology, biochemistry or related life sciences field.
• Experience in RNA biochemistry, cell biology and biophysical methods provides a strong foundation for doctoral research.
• Previous experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation is an advantage but not required.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English enables effective collaboration in an international research environment.

Responsibilities

• Dissect and characterize cellular RNA-protein interactions with high spatial and temporal resolution.
• Recombinantly produce and purify RNA-binding proteins and characterize their binding preferences using biochemical and biophysical methods.
• Synthesize mRNA in vitro and formulate it into lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.
• Characterize lipid nanoparticles via quality-control experiments and study RNA delivery, intracellular transport, stability, translation and payload expression using cell-based assays.
• Collaborate across CRC/TRR 440 smART and contribute to interdisciplinary research activities.
• Work at the interface of experimental RNA biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics within an international team.

Skills

RNA biochemistry

Cell biology

Biophysical methods

English communication

Education

Master’s degree in life sciences

Tools

Lipid nanoparticle formulation

Job description

Join the Munschauer Lab at the Centre for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID) and explore how RNA interactions can be harnessed to improve therapeutic mRNA. As part of the newly established DFG Collaborative Research Centre CRC/TRR 440 smART, you will investigate RNA-protein interactions and develop innovative strategies to enhance mRNA performance. Our international and interdisciplinary team combines RNA biochemistry, cell biology, mass spectrometry, genomics, single-cell transcriptomics and bioinformatics to understand RNA regulation at high spatial and temporal resolution. You will benefit from state-of-the-art research approaches, close collaboration with wet-lab scientists and bioinformaticians, structured doctoral training and excellent opportunities to develop your scientific profile.

Your responsibilities

• Dissect and characterize cellular RNA-protein interactions with high spatial and temporal resolution
• Recombinantly produce and purify RNA-binding proteins and characterize their binding preferences using biochemical and biophysical methods
• Synthesize mRNA in vitro and formulate it into lipid nanoparticle delivery systems
• Characterize lipid nanoparticles through appropriate quality-control experimentsUse cell-based assays to investigate RNA delivery, intracellular transport, stability, translation, decay and payload expression
• Collaborate closely with scientists across CRC/TRR 440 smART and contribute to interdisciplinary research activities
• Work at the interface of experimental RNA biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics within an international research team

Your profile

• You hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in cell biology, biochemistry or a related field in the natural or life sciences
• Practical experience in RNA biochemistry, cell biology and biophysical methods provides a strong foundation for your doctoral research
• Previous experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation is an advantage, but not a prerequisite
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English enables you to communicate and collaborate effectively in an international research environment
• Scientific curiosity, accuracy and the ability to conduct research independently, combined with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork, complete your profile

About us

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Mathias Munschauer, Head of Molecular Virology, via phone at [phone] or email at [e-mail].

Shape the future of mRNA!