PhD Position in Experimental Single-Cell Genomics – RNA Regulation in Development and Disease (f/m/x) Full-time

PhD Position in Experimental Single-Cell Genomics – RNA Regulation in Development and Disease (f/m/x)

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.

The Cortés López Lab at Helmholtz Munich, embedded in the Computational Health Center and closely integrated with LMU Children's Hospital (Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital), investigates how RNA regulation and alternative splicing shape cellular plasticity in development and disease. By combining long-read and single-cell transcriptomics with multimodal data integration and AI-based modeling, we aim to uncover RNA programs that drive pediatric health and disease.

The project is embedded in the German Center for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ) and provides direct access to clinically annotated pediatric samples and patient-derived experimental models. This unique integration of genomics, computation, and clinical expertise ensures both mechanistic depth and strong medical relevance.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student (f/m/x) in Molecular Biology / Experimental Genomics to join this interdisciplinary research program.

Your Tasks

• Investigate RNA splicing regulation in developmental and pediatric disease contexts within a collaborative, translational research environment.
• Work closely across experimental and computational disciplines to iteratively refine study design and translate findings into biologically meaningful insights.
• Generate and analyze single-cell and long-read transcriptomic data from pediatric tissues, organoid models, and disease samples.
• Apply and further develop multi-omic protocols combining transcriptomics with cell-surface proteomics and targeted genotyping.
• Design and perform perturbation, co-culture, or microenvironment-focused experiments to functionally interrogate RNA regulation.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in RNA biology, development, and pediatric disease research.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Scientific curiosity, initiative, and motivation to thrive in a translational research environment.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with primary cells, organoids, or single-cell approaches is highly desirable.
• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g. ONT, PacBio) or perturbation/genetic screening approaches (CRISPR, KO/KD) is a plus.

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure 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

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13 50%. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 3 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: “We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mariela Cortés López, 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.

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.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute of Computational Biology Ingolstädter Landstr. 1 85764 Neuherberg