Master's Thesis Opportunity

05.03.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Master’s student to join our team and investigate a novel therapeutic approach based on programmable RNA editing for the treatment of Beta-propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN). The project focuses on correcting disease-causing point mutations in the WDR45 gene using patient-derived fibroblasts. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and evaluation of an innovative RNA-editing strategy with potential translational relevance for rare neurodegenerative disorders. The position is based at the Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München (Neuherberg, Germany). -- Project Overview BPAN is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in WDR45. This Master’s thesis project aims to: Design and evaluate antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based RNA editing strategies Assess correction efficiency at RNA and protein levels Evaluate functional outcomes, including mitochondrial bioenergetics Investigate editing durability and potential off-target effects The expected project duration is 10 months. Shape Project Overview BPAN is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in WDR45. This Master’s thesis project aims to: Design and evaluate antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based RNA editing strategies Assess correction efficiency at RNA and protein levels Evaluate functional outcomes, including mitochondrial bioenergetics Investigate editing durability and potential off-target effects The expected project duration is 10 months. -- Your Responsibilities Culture and maintain patient-derived fibroblasts Design and optimize antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) Perform cell transfections Extract RNA for RNA sequencing Analyze gene expression (qRT-PCR) Assess protein expression via Western blotting Evaluate mitochondrial bioenergetics using an XF Extracellular Flux Analyzer Investigate durability of RNA editing Assess potential off-target effects -- What We Offer An international, collaborative, and dynamic research environment Direct supervision by the Principal Investigator Technical support from a student assistant Opportunity to publish results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal Participation in journal clubs and project-related meetings Hands-on experience with advanced molecular and cellular techniques -- Candidate Profile We are looking for a student who demonstrates: Structured Work Approach Strong organizational skills Careful documentation of experiments, protocols, and results Independence & Ownership Ability to work independently Proactive attitude and responsibility for project progress Wet-Lab Experience Experience with primary cell culture Practical knowledge of several of the following techniques: Transfection RNA extraction qRT-PCR Western blotting Plate-reader-based assays -- How to Apply Please submit: CV Academic transcripts A brief statement of interest outlining your motivation and relevant experience For inquiries and applications, please contact: Dr. Arcangela Iuso arcangela.iuso@helmholtz-munich.de Shape This thesis offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic research in a rare neurodegenerative disease while gaining advanced training in molecular and cellular biology. We look forward to receiving your application.

Kontakt: arcangela.iuso@helmholtz-munich.de