Postdoc (f/m/x) - Analyzing the effectiveness and safety of a novel RNA delivery platform

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Recently, our Gene Editing group at the Institute of Stem Cell Research developed Synthetic Transfer Vehicles (STVs), a programmable protein-based RNA delivery platform that packages defined RNA cargos and delivers them to specific cell types. STVs consist of a synthetic protein that is assembled from natural and AI-designed protein domains, along with an engineered fusogenic protein. The technology has been recognized with the m4 Award, the GO-Bio next program, and is currently under revision in a top-tier journal (preprint: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5123765/v1).

We now aim to translate this platform by delivering gene editing tools, mRNA therapeutics, and other functional cargos into disease models. To drive this effort, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) with a strong interest in advancing molecular technologies toward clinical application.

Your tasks

• Testing the efficacy of STV-delivered therapeutic cargos in animal models
• Characterizing immunological, cellular, and molecular responses to different cargo RNAs in animal models
• Writing manuscripts and drafting scientific illustrations
• Contributing to patent applications
• Supervising students (if desired)

Your profile

Your Scientific Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Biochemistry or related fields
• Excellent publication record, preferably with at least one first-author publication
• Extensive experience with handling and analyzing animal models
• Valid qualifications and certifications for working with mice
• Hands-on experience in analytical techniques (e.g., biochemical assays, advanced Imaging technologies, Immunological and toxicological assays)
• Experience with genetically encoded delivery vehicles

Your Personal Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for applying molecular tools to solve biomedical needs
• Drive to work toward highly ambitious scientific goals, passion for innovating at the interface of research and clinical translation
• Willingness and ability to convert scientific work into high-impact publications and patents
• Commitment to working in a fast-moving and highly competitive field as well as in a dynamic and highly collaborative group
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). This position is for a fixed term of 2,5 years.

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Florian Giesert, florian.giesert@helmholtz-munich.de, who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

More information about our application process

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Contact details for at least two referees

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

Benefits

• Personal Development: Comprehensive in-house training and development opportunities
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• Work-Life-Balance: Flexible working hours and flexi-time models