Student or Research Assistant (m/f/d) | Skeletal Genomics

Job Code: LH-08-2024

Job Offer from June 19, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany, is a world-leading research institute investigating one of the most fundamental questions in science: What makes humans human? The institute brings together scientists from a wide range of disciplines who take an interdisciplinary approach to gain new insights into the history, diversity and capabilities of the human species.

The Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution unifies organismal perspectives on behavior, life history and evolution with molecular and genetic approaches in order to gain previously unobtainable insights. Its mission is to uncover the patterns and processes that guide primate evolution, produce applied knowledge with relevance to human health and primate conservation, and build capacity for primate research everywhere.

We are looking for a Student or Research Assistant (m/f/d) (max. 41 h/month).

The Skeletal Genomics Research Group at the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution is looking for a talented and highly motivated student passionate about studying the functional genomics of complex traits in human and nonhuman primates, with a particular focus on the skeleton. Using laboratory and computational approaches, we examine patterns of gene regulation in primates at population- and evolutionary-scales. We work with primary skeletal tissues to connect bone and cartilage phenotypic variation with underlying molecular variation, and we develop in vitro cell culture systems using primary, immortalized, and pluripotent cell types to characterize regulatory patterns across stages of cell differentiation and in response to controlled environmental perturbations. These efforts aim to clarify the complicated relationship between genotype and phenotype in primate skeletons.

This position will focus on supporting the work in the cell culture laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Genevieve Housman and in collaboration with the Department’s Director, Prof. Jenny Tung.

Your responsibilities include:

• Cell culture laboratory work including the reprogramming, maintenance, and differentiation of primate cell lines (LCLs, iPSCs, various primary cell types)
• Molecular biology lab work including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and library preparation for sequencing
• Data analysis and quality control

• Enrollment at a German university (Bachelor's or Master's degree) in biosciences, life sciences or related fields
• Proficiency with English (written and spoken) preferred (knowledge of German is not required for this position)
• Experience in laboratory work is desirable
• Desire to work in a dynamic, international team

• An exciting and rewarding job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions in Leipzig
• Access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure
• The salary is €13.03 per hour for students with a Bachelor's degree and €12.41 per hour without a Bachelor's degree.

Then we look forward to receiving your application! Please upload your complete application documents, including cover letter and CV, to our application tool via the link.

The application deadline is July 15, 2024.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Leonie Kohl at [email protected] .

The Max Planck Society and the Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups to apply. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology .