Postdoc (f/m/x) - Analyzing the effectiveness and safety of a novel RNA delivery platform

Helmholtz Zentrum München; Neuherberg; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Neuherberg is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to analyze the effectiveness and safety of a novel RNA delivery platform. The position aims to drive research efforts in gene editing tools and mRNA therapeutics. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in relevant fields, show an excellent publication record, and possess skills in handling animal models and analytical techniques. The role promises collaborative research in an innovative environment.

Leistungen

30 days annual leave

Career Development: tailored scientific training

Health Promotion: sports initiatives

Support for relocation and integration

Qualifikationen

• Strong publication record, ideally with a first-author publication.
• Experience with genetically encoded delivery vehicles.
• Valid qualifications for working with mice.

Aufgaben

• Testing efficacy of STV-delivered therapeutic cargos in animal models.
• Characterizing immunological, cellular, and molecular responses to RNA cargos.
• Contributing to patent applications and supervising students.

Kenntnisse

Handling and analyzing animal models

Analytical techniques (e.g., biochemical assays)

Excellent written and spoken communication in English

Ausbildung

PhD degree in Biology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Biochemistry

Tools

Advanced imaging technologies

Immunological and toxicological assays

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoc (f/m/x) - Analyzing the effectiveness and safety of a novel RNA delivery platform

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.

Recently, our Gene Editing group at the Institute of Stem Cell Research developed Synthetic Transfer Vehicles (STVs), a programmable protein-based RNA delivery platform that packages defined RNA cargos and delivers them to specific cell types. STVs consist of a synthetic protein that is assembled from natural and AI-designed protein domains, along with an engineered fusogenic protein. The technology has been recognized with them4 Award, the GO-Bio next program, and is currently under revision in a top‑tier journal (preprint: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5123765/v1).

We now aim to translate this platform by delivering gene editing tools, mRNA therapeutics, and other functional cargos into disease models. To drive this effort, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) with a strong interest in advancing molecular technologies toward clinical application.

Full time 39 hrs./week

Neuherberg near Munich

Your tasks

• Testing the efficacy of STV-delivered therapeutic cargos in animal models
• Characterizing immunological, cellular, and molecular responses to different cargo RNAs in animal models
• Writing manuscripts and drafting scientific illustrations
• Contributing to patent applications
• Supervising students (if desired)

Your profile

Your Scientific Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Biochemistry or related fields
• Excellent publication record, preferably with at least one first‑author publication
• Extensive experience with handling and analyzing animal models
• Valid qualifications and certifications for working with mice
• Hands‑on experience in analytical techniques (e.g., biochemical assays, advanced Imaging technologies, Immunological and toxicological assays)
• Experience with genetically encoded delivery vehicles

Your Personal Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for applying molecular tools to solve biomedical needs
• Drive to work toward highly ambitious scientific goals, passion for innovating at the interface of research and clinical translation
• Willingness and ability to convert scientific work into high‑impact publications and patents
• Commitment to working in a fast‑moving and highly competitive field as well as in a dynamic and highly collaborative group
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public‑Sector Employees (TVöD). This position is for a fixed term of 2,5 years.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: „We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• 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

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Florian Giesert, [e-mail], who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Contact details for at least two referees

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

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

Our commitment

Helmholtz Munich
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute for Stem Cell Research
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg