DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.

At 10 locations in Germany, around 1,200 employees are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

PhD student (f/m/x) Neuroimmunology

Code: 1441/2025/5

Your role in detail

Our research focuses on understanding the pathomechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), with a particular emphasis on protein aggregation and neuroinflammation. Our recent work has uncovered disrupted neuroimmune interactions within both central nervous system (CNS) resident cells and peripheral immune cells. Our methodology encompasses a range of advanced techniques including immunopeptidome analysis, single-cell transcriptomics, T-cell receptor (TCR) cloning, adeno-associated virus (AAV) systems, human biosamples, primary immune cell culture, and in vivo rodent models. We provide a highly international, adaptable, and well-equipped work environment conducive to productivity. We have recently received a Starting Grant from the European Research Council to further our understanding of altered neuro-immune interactions driven by protein aggregation in ALS/FTD.

Your qualifications

• Fluency in English for communicating, writing, and presentation of scientific data
• Enthusiasm for exploring and innovating with new techniques
• Willingness to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary team of supportive scientists
• Experience with primary immune cell culture and/or animal research
• Preferred background in immunology, autoimmune diseases, or infectious diseases
• A second-round in-person interview with the whole team at Munich is expected

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, mobile working, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that family is important, we support family service
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund - including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• The position is initially limited to 2 years