Postdoctoral Researcher in Genome Stability and Diversification (m/f/d)

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) to join the lab of Michela Di Virgilio at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin. This fully funded position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms of genome integrity and diversification in an internationally recognized research environment.

About the Lab - Our group studies the fundamental processes that safeguard genome stability while enabling controlled genome diversification, particularly in contexts relevant to immune function and genomic plasticity. We are currently expanding our research directions to explore how DNA repair capacities vary across distinct cellular contexts and how this diversity contributes to broader phenotypic outcomes. We are also interested in how such context-dependent repair features could inform future approaches to genome manipulation. We aim to dissect and ultimately rewire the logic of DNA repair to uncover how genome integrity is balanced with cellular adaptability across physiological and pathological contexts. Our work has implications for understanding immune resilience, genome instability syndromes, and future genome engineering strategies. We combine mechanistic approaches with advanced cell systems and are part of a vibrant research community at MDC, with strong ties to Berlin’s broader biomedical landscape. MDC offers structured postdoctoral training programs, access to cutting-edge technology platforms, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the Berlin biomedical research hub.

Job Description

• Investigate molecular mechanisms of DNA repair that safeguard genome integrity and enable controlled genome diversification
• Develop and drive independent project ideas within the scope of the lab’s research
• Collaborate closely within the lab, across MDC, and with external partners
• Present and publish research findings, and actively pursue funding opportunities

Requirements

We are looking for a researcher (m/f/d) with:

• a PhD in molecular biology, genome stability, chromatin biology, immunology, or a related field
• background in DNA Repair and Genome Integrity is welcome; a genuine interest in these areas is essential
• previous experience in somatic gene editing or iPSC-derived model systems is especially encouraged
• scientific curiosity, independence, and a collaborative mindset
• excellent communication skills in English
• motivation to develop intellectually owned research directions and pursue visibility through funding applications

We offer

• international working environment with communication in English and German
• interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• a centrally funded postodctoral postion, initially for two years, with potential for extension
• Career development support, including encouragement and mentoring for competitive fellowship applications
• A collaborative and international atmosphere with strong scientific excahnge
• childcare support
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace