PostDoc position: Application of a novel type of delivery vehicle to transfer RNA into stem cells and primary mouse tissue

02.02.2023, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Within the ‘Chair of Developmental Genetics’, our group combines cutting-edge cell and protein engineering methods for developing novel molecular tools to precisely manipulate the genome and transcriptome of cells and organisms. We apply these tools to various disease models ranging from cell lines and patient-derived stem cells to mouse models. In the past, we used our technologies to treat devasting diseases like Parkinson’s Disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, or COVID-19 in cellular and animal models. Recently, we developed a synthetic protein to package and transfer RNA into target cell types. With this tool, we were able to express reporter and CRISPR proteins in up to 99% of cells. We now seek to further improve this technology by screening multiple configurations of the transfer protein, by programming target cell types, and by applying the technology to different cellular, ex vivo, and in vivo preclinical models.

Your Responsibilities:

• Cultivation/differentiation of iPSCs into different lineages and isolation/cultivation of different primary cells from mouse tissue
• Transfer of different RNA cargos into cellular models to induce gene activation, differentiation processes, genome editing, etc.
• Characterization of cell-type specificity, immunological, morphological, and molecular response to cargo delivery in differentiated stem cells and isolated primary mouse tissue
• Analysis of delivery efficiencies and benchmarking against conventional delivery technologies (LNP, AAVs)
• Supporting in vivo proof-of-concept studies
• Writing of manuscripts and drafting of scientific illustrations
• Contribution to patent applications and commercialization strategies
• Supervision of students (if desired)

Your Scientific Qualifications:

• PhD in Biology / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Biochemistry or related fields
• Good publication record, preferentially with first author publication
• Experience in maintaining and differentiating stem cells into different cell types and/or isolation and cultivation of different primary mouse tissue
• Hands-on experience in cellular assays and analytical techniques (e.g., Luciferase assays, Fluorescence microscopy, Immunostaining, Western Blot, High content image analysis, Flow Cytometry, etc.)
• Skills in transcriptomic profiling of cell types and states (bulk RNA-Seq and/or Single-cell Sequencing) is an advantage
• Knowledge of Genome Editing technologies (e.g., Cas9, Cas13, Base Editing, Prime Editing, CRISPRa/i) is an advantage
• Experience in the work with mice desired

Your Personal Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for applying molecular tools to solve biomedical needs
• Drive to work toward highly ambitious scientific goals
• Passion for innovating at the interface of research and clinical translation
• Commitment to working in a fast-moving and highly competitive field
• Additional words to describe you: Proactive, reliable, multi-tasker, team worker
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

Embedded in the flourishing research environment of two world-class universities, renowned research institutes in the greater Munich area and equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, the Helmholtz Center Munich – at which our laboratory is located - is an outstanding place for conducting research and for career development. Beyond scientific excellence, Munich offers a wide range of leisure activities ranging from numerous lakes to the close vicinity of the alps.

Salary is in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (federal government). The position is initially limited to two years and should begin as soon as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application, including a letter of motivation, CV, and contact details of at least two references to ‘idg-sekretariat@helmholtz-muenchen.de’. Additionally, we ask you to decide for one of your publications and tell us what it makes so special for you personally.

Curious? Don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information. Join us on our mission toward a new era of precise RNA-based medicines!

Data Protection Information:
When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

Kontakt: idg-sekretariat@helmholtz-muenchen.de