Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Organisation/Company: Max Delbrück Center

Research Field: Medical sciences

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 20 Apr 2025 – 10:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: To be defined

Job Status: Other Offer

Starting Date: 1 May 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description: 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 researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90% funded by the German federal government and 10% by the state of Berlin.

The labs of Dr. Melissa Birol and Dr. Jakob Metzger are seeking a highly motivated postdoc with expertise in stem cell biology, organoids, single-cell technologies, advanced imaging techniques, and bioengineering to work on a cutting-edge project to develop a novel phenotyping platform for modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The project focuses on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using scalable brain organoids derived from patient and isogenic lines carrying mutations in multiple risk mutations. The successful applicant will integrate multi-modal live imaging data with advanced AI-based pipelines to identify and refine early disease phenotypes, laying the groundwork for therapeutic intervention.

The successful applicant will work at the interface of stem cell biology, neuroscience, and computational biology. Key responsibilities include the development of automation in brain organoid generation and acquisition of advanced imaging modalities such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and calcium imaging, developing AI-based analysis pipelines, and conducting preclinical drug screening.

Requirements:

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with relevant experience in stem cell biology, neurodevelopment, engineering, biophysics, and organoid derivation. Prior experience in bioengineering, computational biology, or high-content drug screening is preferred. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary collaboration including biologists, physicists, and computer scientists. Applicants must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently as well as in a team, and fluency in oral and written English.

Benefits:

• International working environment with communication in English and German
• Interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the work and family audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for \“New Berliners\“ through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

You also benefit from:

• A remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• Flexible working hours and childcare support
• Subsidy for the job ticket
• Additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Team: AG Metzger

Publication period: 18.03.2025 – 20.04.2025

Desired starting date: 01.05.2025

Job location: MDC Berlin-Mitte, Hannoversche Str. 28, 10115 Berlin

Employment period: Fixed Term – The contract is limited for 2 years.

Scope of employment: Full time

Salary: TVöD 13

Application: Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master\’s degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievements.

For information on fair mobility, click here:

Parity and equal status: MDC values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive, fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or other personal characteristics. We recognize that creating diverse teams that represent a broad range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds strengthen our work and research. We welcome applications from open-minded people who embrace working together in a diverse environment. Applications from severely disabled people will be given particular consideration.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany\’s largest scientific organisation.

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