is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (65% position, starting 04/2026) . The position is embedded in the project "Long-lived RNA in motor neuron diseases” , a collaborative effort between the Motor Neuron Disease Group (Department of Molecular Neurology), the Research Group Neural Epigenomics (Prof.Dr. Toda, Max Planck Center for Physics and Medicine), and the Department of Stem Cell Biology (Prof. Dr. Winner).
The overarching aim of this project is to investigate RNA metabolism in models of motor neuron diseases (MNDs). The position is funded by the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University Hospital Erlangen .

Project background
The molecular mechanisms underlying selective motor neuron vulnerability in MNDs remain poorly understood. Increasing evidence implicates RNA dysregulation in disease pathogenesis, and long-lived RNAs have recently emerged as a potentially critical determinant of neuronal longevity. In this project, we will study RNA dynamics in MNDs using human brain organoid models, with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

• Culture and maintenance of patient- and control-derived iPSCs and brain organoids
• Phenotyping of disease-associated structural and functional neural deficits
• Immunohistochemical analyses and RNA imaging (FISH/RNAscope, EM) of brain organoids and human post-mortem tissue

• a 3-year structured PhD program with interdisciplinary thesis research,
• a vibrant, collaborative scientific environment,
• supervision and mentorship by a team of internationally renowned experts,
• State-of-the-art research facilities and
• advanced training opportunities (scientific, skills, career) in English.
• A dual affiliation with the Max Planck Graduate Program Physics and Medicine (IMPRS-PM) is strongly encouraged: https://mpl.mpg.de/study-work-or-visit/graduate-programs/welcome

• Diploma or Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine, Biology, or a related field
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• High motivation, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for research
• Critical and independent thinking
• Strong team spirit and willingness to contribute to collaborative research projects
• Strong interest in neuroscience, stem cell biology, and neurodegeneration
• Good experience in tissue culture

• Experience in hiPSC culture and differentiation, including brain organoids
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy, image analysis
• Experience in analyzing neuronal differentiation and cell death in cellular models