PhD-Student (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 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.

Join an interdisciplinary research project at the interface of neurobiology, RNA biology, and bioinformatics. The aim of this PhD project is to decipher the regulatory mechanisms underlying RNA dysregulation in response to environmental and viral stressors. Using innovative brain organoid models, you will apply computational and experimental approaches to investigate the effects of microplastics and/or HSV-1 infections on RNA regulation in models of Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls. The insights gained are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Job Description

As part of this PhD project, you will employ state-of-the-art sequencing and analytical techniques to investigate how environmental factors and viral infections influence RNA regulation in the human brain. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Analyze alterations in RNA regulation in the human brain using single-cell transcriptomics and long-read RNA sequencing.
• Investigate key RNA regulatory processes, including alternative splicing, RNA isoform usage, polyadenylation dynamics, and transposable element activity.
• Explore the effects of HSV-1 infections and genetic risk factors on RNA isoform diversity and regulation.
• Integrate and analyze transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic datasets to identify disease-relevant molecular mechanisms.
• Compare data from human brain organoid models with datasets from Alzheimer’s disease patients to assess the disease relevance of the models.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics approaches for the analysis of complex multi-omics datasets.
• Present and discuss research findings within the team and at national and international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to scientific publications in leading international peer-reviewed journals.
• Opportunity to expand the project to additional molecular layers, including proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics.

Requirements

• Completed Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Strong enthusiasm for RNA biology and research into neurodegenerative diseases.
• Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Analysis of RNA sequencing and other omics datasets (bulk, single-cell, and/or long-read data)
  • Programming and data analysis, particularly using Python and/or R
• Ability to work independently in a structured and goal-oriented manner.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with enthusiasm for collaborating in interdisciplinary and international research environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in the analysis of RNA isoforms, alternative splicing, or epitranscriptomic datasets.
• Knowledge of multi-omics data integration and analysis.
• Interest in organoid models and translational biomedical research.
• Practical experience in experimental molecular biology, such as cell culture, organoid technologies, or RNA sequencing.

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