Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)
Berlin-Mitte | MDC-BIMSB
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 researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the state of Berlin.
Postdoctoral position in stem cell and organoid biology, neurodegenerative disease modeling, screening.
Job Description
The labs of Dr. Melissa Birol and Dr. Jakob Metzger are seeking a highly motivated postdoc seeking a highly motivated postdoc with expertise in stem cell biology, organoids, single-cell technologies, advanced imaging techniques, and bioengineering to work on a cutting-edge project to develop a novel phenotyping platform for modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The project focuses on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using a scalable brain organoids derived from patient and isogenic lines carrying mutations in multiple risk mutations. The successful applicant will integrate multi-modal live imaging data with advanced AI-based pipelines to identify and refine early disease phenotypes, laying the groundwork for therapeutic intervention.
The successful applicant will work at the interface of stem cell biology, neuroscience, and computational biology. Key responsibilities include the development of automation in brain organoid generation and acquisition of advanced imaging modalities such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and calcium imaging, developing AI-based analysis pipelines, and conducting preclinical drug screening.
Requirements
Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with relevant experience in stem cell biology, neurodevelopment, engineering, biophysics and organoid derivation. Prior experience in bioengineering, computational biology, or high-content drug screening is preferred. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary collaboration including biologists, physicists, and computer scientists. Applicants must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently as well as in a team, and fluency in oral and written English.
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
- flexible working hours and childcare support
- Subsidy for the job ticket
- additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace
