Ca2+ signalling in HEK cells and iPSC-cardiomyocytes

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Max Delbrück, a Berlin native, was a Nobel laureate and one of the founders of molecular biology. At the MDC’s locations in Berlin-Buch and Mitte, researchers from some 60 countries study human biology – investigating the foundations of life from its most elementary building blocks to systems-wide mechanisms. By understanding what regulates or disrupts the equilibrium of a cell, an organ, or the entire body, we can prevent diseases, diagnose them earlier, and stop their progression with tailored therapies. To enable timely application of research findings for improving human health, the MDC supports entrepreneurship and participates in collaborative networks. The MDC has a close partnership with the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin in the jointly run Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). Founded in 1992, the MDC today employs 1,600 people and is funded 90 percent by the German federal government and 10 percent by the State of Berlin.

The Falcke lab and the Gotthardt lab at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association conduct collaboratively research on IP3-induced Ca2+ signaling and excitation contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes.
We are advertising an open position on PhD level (3 years) or post doc level (2 years) on experimental research in this field in the Gotthardt lab.

Job Description

Goal of the research is to investigate Ca²⁺ signaling in HEK cells or similar model systems with regard to dynamic regimes and their transitions, and phenotyping of excitation contraction coupling in iPSC-cardiomyocytes from patients with functionally relevant mutations. The research will be accompanied by mathematical modelling from the Falcke lab.

Requirements

The preferred applicant for a PhD position will have a master in biology, biophysics, biotechnology or related fields. An applicant for postdoc level will have a PhD in one of the fields. Cell culture experience - specifically with primary cardiomyocytes or iPSC-cardiomyocytes and experience with Ca²⁺ imaging is beneficial.

We offer

• International working environment with communication in English and German
• Interesting career opportunities and a comprehensive range of qualification and further training opportunities
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the berufundfamilie audit
• Varied support for "New Berliners" (Welcome & Family Office)
• Company health management with fitness center

You also benefit from:

• A remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• Flexible working hours and childcare support
• An idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• A secure job, even in uncertain times
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• Additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace, hygiene measures (medical mouth-nose protection, self-tests, disinfectants)
• The possibility of mobile working - also independent of the Corona situation
• Free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus