PhD student (m/f/d), 20 hrs per week | Fluid biomarker discovery and validation in Translational Psychiatry

Job Code: 8740

Job Offer from February 15, 2024

At the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry , basic scientists and clinicians are working in close cooperation to understand the causes of complex diseases of the brain, searching for new prevention and treatment strategies. This translational research strategy is supported by a modern psychiatric research hospital as well as a number of research departments and research groups with expertise ranging from neurobiological research methods as well as clinical and behavioural studies to molecular genetics and computational approaches. The overarching goal is to optimise the benefit of research advances for the patients by way of close and innovative networking of basic research-oriented and clinical neuroscience.

The Project Group “Translational Deep Phenotyping” offers a position from 01.03.2024 as a PhD student (m/f/d), 20 hrs per week, in fluid biomarker discovery and validation in Translational Psychiatry. Code: 8740

The MPIP Fellowship led by Prof. Dr. med. Falkai at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry focuses on developing transdiagnostic biomarkers across the spectrum of mental illness.

The project group “Translational Deep Phenotyping” explores and validates biomarkers that identify and predict disease severity and treatment response in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and depression. This approach enhances the comprehension of mental illness pathophysiology through a highly interdisciplinary, integrative, and multimodal approach. We utilize multi-omics techniques, functional (epi)genomic approaches, and integrate phenotypic imaging, electrophysiology, and clinical data in our research. Moreover, patient-specific iPSCs data enrich our approach of translational deep phenotyping. Finally, as a translational research group, we conduct diagnostic studies in clinical settings to bridge the translational gap and test and apply our tools in clinical practice.

• you studied in the field of life science or bioinformatics
• you have experience in basic molecular and optionally also in cell biology techniques
• you have beginner-intermediate level experience on the use of R or Python for data analysis
• you are a team player
• you work carefully and independently
• you have excellent skills in spoken and written English

• Perform your PhD in a dynamic and vital interdisciplinary group
• Intensive training, supervision and guidance
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Possibility to perform and learn integrative data analysis including DL, ML and computational modelling with various modalities (omics, cellular, imaging and electrophysiology data)
• The Max Planck Society offers a variety of training, soft skill and career-oriented courses
• Payment and benefits are based on the German TVöD-Bund (collective contract terms for public service) guidelines

We look forward to your online application with the following documents:

• a Cover letter, along with a brief summary of your previous projects, including wet lab and data analysis techniques,
• your complete CV incl. your publication list and your contact details,
• we recommend to add min. two references.

The position is temporary until 31.12.2025. Please contact Florian Raabe if you have questions about the position: [email protected]

Women are especially encouraged to apply and handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

We look forward to your online-application .