ERC-funded Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Zebrafish Optogenetics & Single-cell Genomics (Berlin)

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 researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the state of Berlin.

Our group builds quantitative models of how different epigenetic layers of transcriptional regulation interact during vertebrate embryonic development. This role focuses on the systematic, spatially and temporally controlled perturbation of signalling pathways and transcription-factor logic in the zebrafish embryo, using inducible and optogenetic approaches, coupled with single-cell multiome read-outs.

Job Description

You will work at the interface of experimental and computational biology in close collaboration with members of our computational team. In your day-to-day research, you will:

• develop and implement inducible and optogenetic perturbation strategies targeting key signalling pathways (Nodal, BMP, FGF, WNT, retinoic acid) as well as selected transcription factors in zebrafish embryos
• perform cutting-edge single-cell multi-omic profiling, including scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, multiome, and potentially spatial approaches, across relevant developmental stages
• establish robust and scalable experimental pipelines enabling precise spatial and temporal perturbations combined with high-throughput molecular readouts
• collaborate closely with computational scientists to integrate experimental datasets with quantitative models of gene regulation and developmental dynamics
• contribute to the conceptual development of experiments guided by computational predictions and fundamental questions in developmental biology
• actively engage in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment bringing together experimental and computational biologists from diverse backgrounds

Requirements

• PhD in developmental biology, molecular biology, biophysics or a related life-sciences discipline
• Hands-on experience with zebrafish (or comparable vertebrate model) embryonic experiments
• Experience with single-cell genomics methods (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, multi-ome) is highly desirable
• Familiarity with optogenetic or chemically inducible perturbation systems is a plus
• Strong quantitative mindset and interest in close collaboration with computational team members
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team

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 secure job
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• the possibility of mobile working
• 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