PhD Position in Transcriptional Reprogramming of Cardiomyocytes
Explore epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms in cardiomyocytes using advanced bioengineering and stem cell models.
Best for:Best for molecular/cell biologists with hands-on experience in hiPSC culture, CRISPR/Cas, and high-throughput sequencing, seeking a translational research environment at the intersection of cardiology and bioengineering.
Overview
This PhD position at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) in Heidelberg focuses on investigating how inflammatory and metabolic signals alter cardiomyocyte function and epigenetic states. As part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre SFB 1550, the project leverages human stem cells and bioengineered 3D microenvironments to develop innovative disease models. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, CRISPR/Cas-based engineering, high-content imaging, and transcriptomic/epigenomic profiling to uncover molecular circuits underlying heart disease. The position offers interdisciplinary collaboration with cardiologists, bioengineers, and computational biologists, providing structured training and opportunities for international conference presentations.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize human stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte models in 2D and 3D bioengineered environments.
- Apply CRISPR/Cas-based transcriptional engineering and genome editing to study disease mechanisms.
- Generate and analyze transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) and epigenomic (ATAC-Seq/ChIP-Seq/CUT&Tag) datasets.
- Integrate high-throughput sequencing data with imaging and functional phenotyping to identify molecular circuits.
- Investigate signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators using genetic and pharmacological approaches.
- Present research findings at internal seminars and international conferences.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in cardiology, bioengineering, and computational biology.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent in biology, molecular biology, cell biology, molecular medicine, biomedicine, or a related field from an internationally recognized university.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; very good written and spoken proficiency required for international collaboration.
Instruction: English (with German as a secondary language for local collaboration)
- Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
- Familiarity with hiPSC culture and cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols.
- Proficiency in CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing methods.
- Experience with high-content imaging or next-generation sequencing (RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq).
- Strong theoretical knowledge of molecular and cell biology.
- No nationality restrictions, but eligibility for German public-sector employment may apply.
- No prior experience caps, but Master’s degree completion required.
- No age restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-02
Submit an application via the MDC online portal including a cover letter, CV (without personal details like photo/age/family status), transcript of records, 2 referee letters, and proof of Master’s degree recognition in Germany (if applicable). Foreign degrees must include anabin database verification.
- Cover letter
- CV (without photo, age, or family status)
- Transcript of records
- 2 reference letters
- Proof of Master’s degree recognition (if foreign degree)
- Other relevant attachments
Contact
Eric Schoger· Recruitment Contact
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