Postdoc (f/m/x) – Transposable elements in the control of cell identity and reprogramming Full-time NEW

Postdoc (f/m/x) – Transposable Elements in the Control of Cell Identity and Reprogramming

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.

Fertilisation of an oocyte by the sperm results in the generation of a totipotent zygote, which displays the capacity to generate all the cells in the organism. The formation of a totipotent cell entails epigenetic reprogramming and major large-scale chromatin organisation and transcriptional changes. A hallmark of this process is the activation of repetitive elements and transposable elements. Recent evidence indicates that this activation is conserved in mammalian evolution. However, the molecular regulation of this event and the potential impact in gene regulation and reprogramming are unknown. Importantly, transposable element activation is a defining feature of cellular reprogramming and is often found misregulated in degenerative diseases and during ageing. Thus, understanding their biological relevance is of outstanding importance.

At the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), we are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) to start in January 2027 to investigate the role of transposable elements in the control of cell identity and reprogramming.

Your Tasks

• The successful candidate will study how regulation of transposable elements emerges across evolutionary scales and in the totipotency to pluripotency transition in vivo as well as the functional impact of their activity in cell fate and plasticity.
• The approaches used involve the establishment of new protocols to map chromatin function and structure in mouse embryos, to identify regulatory pathways, manipulation of NGS datasets, gene editing and AI-based approaches to understand gene regulation.
• Working language is English. We offer a well-equipped, international and scientifically stimulating environment for postdoctoral training.

Your Profile

• Ph.D in stem cell research with strong foundations of molecular biology with a solid training in molecular life sciences.
• Previous work with germline or stem cell biology on the study of transposable elements.
• Proven track record on cell culture of primary cell lines, RNA biology, transposon biology and organismal biology, including animal models is essential.
• Previous hands-on experience in molecular biology and biochemistry including protein, RNA and DNA isolation from tissues and CRISPR-Cas9 cell generation is required.
• Full command of English, written and spoken.
• Track-record proven by at least a major first author publication.

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). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 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.”

Get to know us

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

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Fr. Prof. Dr. Maria Elena Torres-Padilla, +49 89 31873317, 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
• Letter of motivation with a short research statement
• Contact details of two referees

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. 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.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our Commitment

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells Feodor-Lynen-Straße 21 81377 München