Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Basis of Sensory Mechanotransduction (m/f/d)

Facts & figures

Workplace MDC Berlin-Buch

Salary Remuneration will be according to TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to fee group 13

Desired starting date January 01, 2026

Limitation Fixed Term
The position is limited to 2 years, with the option of extension.

Team AG Lewin

Application Period November 30, 2025

Employment volume Full Time
Working time is 39 hours per week

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 scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

The research group of Prof. Gary Lewin at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) to study the molecular mechanisms of somatic sensation.

Our goal is to understand how mechanical stimuli, such as touch or pressure, are detected by nerve cells and converted into electrical signals. We identify and characterize the molecular components involved in this transduction process using state-of-the-art molecular biology, electrophysiology, and biophysical techniques.

We are looking for a motivated and experimentally driven scientist with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. Experience in electrophysiology, molecular biology, or biophysics is an advantage.

The successful candidate will apply molecular, imaging, and electrophysiological methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms of somatic mechanotransduction. We use genetic mouse models and human cells to gain insights that contribute to a better understanding and potential treatment of human diseases.

Job Description

• Conduct electrophysiological studies on mechanotransduction molecules using mouse models and heterologous expression systems
• Apply and further develop molecular biological, imaging, and biophysical methods to characterize the function of mechanosensitive ion channels
• Analyze cellular signaling mechanisms involved in the conversion of mechanical stimuli
• Collaborate with internal and external partners within an interdisciplinary research team
• Present and publish scientific results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

• Excellent doctoral degree in neuroscience or biophysics
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology; data science skills are also desirable
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

We offer

• 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 workandfamily 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
• a secure job
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• the possibility of mobile working
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Please get in touch with any questions

Gary Lewin
AG Lewin
glewin@mdc-berlin.de