DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.

At 10 locations in Germany, around 1,200 employees 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/mx)

Code: 1463/2025/8

Are you passionate about cutting-edge neuroscience? Are you ready to dive deep into the molecular roots of neurodegenerative disease and contribute to high-impact, translational science? The lab of Prof. Dr. Dieter Edbauer at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to study the cell biology of neurodegeneration as part of the EU-funded epiC9repair project starting December 2025.

We focus on unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ALS and FTD, with a particular emphasis on the pathogenic (G4C2)n repeat expansion in C9orf72. Our research combines epigenomics, genome editing, iPSC-derived neurons, and in vivo models, and is driven by the ambition to identify novel therapeutic targets. An unrelated project from a previous EU is in late preclinical development (https://www.ga-vax.eu/). With epiC9repair, we aim to decode how aberrant DNA repair and genomic instability drive C9orf72 pathogenesis to developed novel therapeutic approaches.

Your role in detail

This position offers a hands-on, intellectually engaging research experience in a high-performance environment. Depending on your background, you will work on one or more of the following:

• Apply CRISPR screens and chromatin profiling (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, long-read sequencing) to analyze DNA repair and epigenetic instability in iPSC-derived neurons.
• Study patient biosamples to identify epigenetic biomarkers associated with regional neurodegeneration.
• Use AAV and ASO technologies in mouse models to test disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic approaches.

You will have access to state-of-the-art tools and be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team with opportunities to publish and grow your independent research profile.

Your qualifications

We are looking for someone who is not only qualified, but also genuinely curious, self-directed, and enthusiastic about learning.

• Master’s degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences or a related discipline
• Enthusiasm for molecular neurobiology and innovative research technologies
• Hands-on experience in iPSC and/or mouse models is a plus
• Familiarity with next-generation sequencing and data analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, long-read sequencing) and basic coding skills are desirable
• Effective communicator and team player in an international setting
• Fluent in English for communicating, writing, and presentation of scientific data

What our employees’ value

• PhD program - Integration into one of the graduate schools in Munich (e.g., GSN) with ample training opportunities
• 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, mobile working, 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 family is important, we support family service
• 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
• The position is initially limited to 3 years - Extension possible

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, and transcripts in one single PDF file. The cover letter should describe your motivation of applying for this position and detail how your research interests and experience align with the research conducted in our group.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr. Dieter Edbauer at dieter.edbauer@dzne.de

Site

Application deadline

24.09.2025