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!

Postdoctoral Opportunity (f/m/x) Exploring Genomic Instability in C9orf72 ALS/FTD

Code: 1464/2025/8

Are you a driven, curious scientist ready to push the boundaries of neurodegenerative disease research? The lab of Prof. Dr. Dieter Edbauer at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich is seeking a highly motivated postdoc to study the cell biology of neurodegeneration as part of the ERC Advanced Grant-funded epiC9repair project starting December 2025.

We focus on unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ALS and FTD, with a particular emphasis on the pathogenic (G4C2)n repeat expansion in C9orf72. Our research combines epigenomics, genome editing, iPSC-derived neurons, and in vivo models, and is driven by the ambition to identify novel therapeutic targets. An unrelated project from a previous EU is in late preclinical development (https://www.ga-vax.eu/). With epiC9repair, we aim to decode how aberrant DNA repair and genomic instability drive C9orf72 pathogenesis to developed novel therapeutic approaches.

Your role in detail

As a postdoc in our lab, you will lead high-impact, technically advanced projects with real translational potential. Depending on your background and scientific curiosity, you could:

• Design advanced CRISPR screens and develop innovative chromatin mapping techniques in iPSC-derived neurons to characterize and modulate DNA repair and epigenetic changes at the repeat locus.
• Identify epigenetic biomarkers that correlate with disease progression and regional neurodegeneration in patient samples (e.g. using ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq or long-read sequencing).
• Translate these discoveries into therapeutic interventions using AAV and ASO technologies in mouse models.

This position offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research with high translational potential, while developing your expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Your qualifications

• A PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field, and a first-author publication in a respected journal.
• Demonstrated intellectual independence, technical versatility, and a passion for deep scientific inquiry
• Experience with iPSC-derived human neurons and/or transgenic mouse models
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and data analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, long-read sequencing and multiomics analysis) and coding skills in R or Python.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English.

What our employees’ value

• A cutting-edge research environment embedded in an internationally leading institute.
• Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and build your independent research profile.
• 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 subsidized job/ Germany ticket options
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programs, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile
• 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
• Job with prospects - The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, and academic transcripts in one single PDF file. The cover letter should describe your motivation of applying for this position and detail how your research interests and experience align with the research conducted in our group. Please highlight any relevant projects, publications, or collaborations.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr. Dieter Edbauer at dieter.edbauer@dzne.de