PhD Candidate – RNA Quality Control Lab

Investigate the mechanisms of transcription termination failure and its role in disease at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus.

Best for:Best for biology or molecular medicine graduates with a strong interest in RNA biology and mammalian cell culture.

Helmholtz Munich · Neuherberg, Germany · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Helmholtz Munich

RNA BiologyTranscriptionInnate ImmunityiPSC ModelsTranscriptomics

Deadline

—

Funding

Salaried

EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund

Start date

flexible

Full-time

Location

Neuherberg

Germany

Overview

The RNA Quality Control lab at Helmholtz Munich is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to study the consequences of RNA polymerase II transcription termination failure. The research focuses on how the resulting double-stranded RNA contributes to disease pathology. The successful candidate will utilize advanced techniques including nascent transcriptomics, degron-based protein depletion, and iPSC-derived neural models. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the lab's research direction while receiving comprehensive training in both experimental and computational methods.

RNA Polymerase IITranscription TerminationDouble-stranded RNAMolecular BiologyCell CultureProteomicsiPSC

What you'll do

Investigate the generation of immunogenic double-stranded RNA resulting from transcription elongation and termination failures.
Develop iPSC-based models using endogenous tagging and degron systems for differentiation into neural progenitors and neurons.
Execute and analyze experimental data including nascent transcriptomics, RNA-seq, and proteomics.
Design, interpret, and troubleshoot independent experiments.
Present research findings at group meetings, institutional seminars, and international scientific conferences.
Prepare and write research work for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, or a related field.

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English (good written and spoken proficiency).

Instruction: English

Required skills

Solid experimental foundation in molecular biology.
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques.
Ability to work effectively at both the laboratory bench and the computer terminal.
Strong feedback-driven work ethic and critical thinking skills.
Good written and spoken English proficiency.

Nice to have

Experience with iPSC culture, neural differentiation, or CRISPR genome editing.Experience with next-generation sequencing or bioinformatics analysis.Familiarity with R or Unix programming environments.Academic background in transcription, RNA biology, innate immunity, or stress response pathways.

Eligibility

Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent by the start date.
Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in cases of equal qualification.

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund

Duration

3 years

Programme

Helmholtz Munich

How to apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application tool provided by Helmholtz Munich. Ensure all required documents are uploaded, and if your degree is from a foreign institution, request a Statement of Comparability as early as possible.

Documents required