DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system. With its outstanding research personalities and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it offers the best conditions for publications and results at the highest level.

Around 1,200 employees at 10 locations in Germany are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

PhD student (f/m/x) in the group “Translational Protein Biochemistry”

Code: 6035/2025/2

The DZNE group Translational Protein Biochemistry (Prof. Dr. T.M Böckers) is offering 1 PhD position with focus on the molecular and synaptic pathomechanisms affecting neurons in neurological conditions especially neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia) and traumatic brain injury leading to neurodegeneration. In particular, the focus of this position will be to test novel modulators of synaptic activity to achieve neuroprotection. Our international research team is embedded in a collaboration between the DZNE group Translational Protein Biochemistry and the Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology and in two Collaborative Research Centres at the University of Ulm (SFB1149; SFB1506) and receives funding from prestigious national and international organizations (such as DFG, BMBF, Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, Frick Foundation).

By working in close collaboration with the Clinic of Neurology, we prioritize investigations aimed at a better understanding of pathological conditions, as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies that might be transferred to patients. Our lab has long experience in the investigation of the physiological and pathologic mechanisms characterizing the neuron, and especially the synapse, by using a collection of murine models (Shanks-deficient) and a unique library of human iPSC lines (from PMDS, ALS, SMA, FTD and Alzheimer´s disease patients) that we differentiate into neuronal and glial cells, as well as cerebral and spinal organoids. The lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art setup including confocal, light sheet and STED microscopes, MEA devices and dedicated cell culture rooms for hiPSC-based models.

Successful applicants can obtain their doctoral degree by joining the International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine.

Your role in detail

• Active participation in experimental work, experimental design, data generation, data analyses, and interpretation of results
• Prepare and write manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals
• Oral presentation of results on local, national, and international conferences
• Experimental work includes molecular biology, especially cell culture of induced pluripotent stem cells

Your qualifications

• A keen interest in molecular biology and working with induced pluripotent stem cells
• Experience in molecular biology and handling of pluripotent stem cells is advantageous
• Successful candidates have a master’s degree in molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry (or a master’s degree in a related field)
• English language is a prerequisite
• We are looking for candidates who are open-minded, creative team-player, enthusiastic, have strong analytical skills, think critically, and with good social skills

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, home office, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that familie is important, we support you with parent-child offices, family services and daycare co-operations
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund - including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• A feel-good working environment - our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant
• Exciting and fully funded research projects -  dedicated mentorship; an excellent scientific environment in a major center for translational neuroscience research.
• Job with prospects The position is for 2 years and can be renewed. 

For questions prior to your applciation, please contact tobias.boeckers@dzne.de

Please submit your full appplication document via the link below.

Site

Application deadline

15.03.2025