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.

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutions. Max Delbrück, a Berlin native, was a Nobel laureate and one of the founders of molecular biology. At the MDC’s locations in Berlin-Buch and Mitte, researchers from some 60 countries study human biology – investigating the foundations of life from its most elementary building blocks to systems-wide mechanisms. By understanding what regulates or disrupts the equilibrium of a cell, an organ, or the entire body, we can prevent diseases, diagnose them earlier, and stop their progression with tailored therapies. To enable timely application of research findings for improving human health, the MDC supports entrepreneurship and participates in collaborative networks. The MDC has a close partnership with the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin in the jointly run Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK). Founded in 1992, the MDC today employs 1,600 people and is funded 90 percent by the German federal government and 10 percent by the State of Berlin.

The RNA Biology Lab is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student (m/f/d) to join our team to investigate RNA-based molecular mechanisms regulating transcription in herpes simplex virus 1-infected cells. This project is part of the DFG-funded Research Group DEEP-DV ( www.deep-dv.org ). We are seeking candidates (m/f/d) with a strong background in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture techniques. The successful candidate (m/f/d) will work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Job Description

• develop novel approaches to study transcriptional regulation involving RNA and RNA-binding proteins during virus infection through genome editing
• degron approaches, synthetic biology, and single-cell omics
• characterize engineered cells using techniques such as flow cytometry, and molecular biology assays
• collaborate with other members of the lab to integrate new methods into our current workflows
• participate in DEEP-DV meetings (online and at various locations in Germany), regularly interact and collaborate with DEEP-DV members
• analyse and interpret data, and prepare manuscript for publication in peer-reviewed journal

Requirements

• Master’s degree in cell biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, or related field
• background in molecular biology
• expertise in mammalian cell culture, and genome editing techniques
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• preferably skills in next generation sequencing-based methods and bioinformatics/computational data analysis

Facts & figures

Salary

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E13

Desired starting date

The position is starting January 1st, 2026 or upon discussion and is limited for 3,5 years

Team