Postdoctoral researcher*in (m/f/d)

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Berlin-Mitte | MDC-BIMSB

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association is an international biomedical research center dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of health and disease with the goal to devise new diagnostics and medicines. The MDC is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization, and offers an engaging research environment with cutting-edge research infrastructure. Currently, ~1250 employees and ~500 guest scientists work at the Berlin-Buch and Berlin-Mitte campuses. Our diverse workforce is a core strength that inspires creativity and innovation at the MDC.

The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease.

Subject: Computational analyses of alternative splicing at single-cell resolution

We are seeking a highly motivated, talented Computational Expert to join the interdisciplinary, collaborative, and highly-stimulating environment at BIMSB-MDC. The position is part of a unique collaborative grant between Manuel Irimia (based at UPF-CRG, guest researcher at BIMSB-MDC) and Nikolaus Rajewsky (BIMSB-MDC) and involves the application of their bioinformatics expertise to analyze single-cell transcriptomic data at isoform and exon resolution through long-read technologies.

Job Description

Alternative splicing is a major mechanism for transcriptomic diversification, affecting 95% of human multi-exonic genes. It is essential for nearly all physiological processes in which it has been studied and its pathological importance is well established, particularly in cancer and neurological disorders. However, a major limitation of most of these studies has been the lack of single-cell resolution, which has also hobbled the field of single-cell omics as a whole, since it is missing this important post-transcriptional layer. However, recent improvements in long-read sequencing technologies and data analysis are setting the field for groundbreaking discoveries and conceptual advances.

The candidate will engage in collaborative efforts with experimentalists, based on the candidate's specific interests. The research topics include endocrine pancreas, sensory neurons, brain organoids and neuroblastoma. Similarly, there will be plenty of opportunities for the candidate to develop novel tools and software, as well as new statistical methods and visualization strategies.

Requirements

Preferred technical expertise: The candidate should be highly experienced in computational transcriptomic analyses of single-cell RNA-seq, long reads and/or of alternative splicing. Previous experience in software development as well as successful interactions and collaborations with wet-lab researchers will be highly advantageous for the application.

Candidate profile: The candidate should be highly enthusiastic about engaging in collaborations, be able to multitask and work independently, and show creative thinking and proactivity.

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
• On-campus health and fitness center

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
• a modern research building in central location easy to access by public transport
• a secure job
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace
• the possibility of mobile working
• Opportunities to perform research visits at the Irimia lab at the CRG (Barcelona, Spain)

Further Information:

• http://www.mdc-berlin.de

Job Type:

postdoc / scientific staff

Team:

Nikolaus Rajewsky

Application Period:

February 09, 2025

Workplace:

MDC Berlin-Mitte

Salary:

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E13.

Employment volume:

Full Time

Desired starting date:

March 01, 2025

Limitation:

Contact:

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

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.

Application:

Apply now